Stupid Sheikah is such high maintenance.
These were the thoughts floating through Midna's head as she walked down the dirty, trodden path from Link's house to Sera's Sundries. As grains of dirt sifted between her exposed toes, she narrowed her eyes and readjusted her cloak to ease the stinging on her sensitive pupils from the glaring sun. Even though she possessed the ability to live in the Light World, there were simply some things she wouldn't adjust to. As she entered the main village, the incessant laughter from Ilia and Tifa jumped through the air. The two were trying to feed Epona an Ordon pumpkin, but the proud steed politely refused with a snort and toss of her head. Tatl watched disinterestedly from atop Tifa's head.
Midna's cloak covered the sly smirk that spread across her lips. You'd think both of them were raised in the wilderness. She still couldn't understand why they were so infatuated with such dirty animals. They stunk, required constant maintenance, and couldn't even talk back. What could possibly be so great about them?
But hadn't she fallen for a wolf?
An almost physical pain stung her heart, and the Twilight Princess pushed the thought aside. That was in the past; she needed to focus on the present. Her earlier annoyance returned as she remembered the reason for her venture into the village.
It had been nearly a week since Kari had finally woken. His recovery was progressing rapidly—he was able to stand and walk on his own with only a little effort. Even so, Link insisted that someone keep an eye on the Sheikah to prevent him from wandering the village just yet. Zelda and Link did their fair share. Yet, the hero was busy keeping the villager's suspicions at bay while the monarch occupied much of her time conversing with the locals and comforting Uli and Colin. Tifa was too young to do anything significant, and all of the Ordonians were too scared to approach the strange shadow warrior. She might as well add the role of babysitter as part of her official title.
Even so, the Twilight Princess had to admit she didn't mind the task. It wasn't watching over Kari that annoyed her, but the little excursions like buying milk so he wouldn't starve. The Sheikah actually said very little to her—preferring to become lost in his own thoughts. She couldn't wish for anything better. When he chose to speak, he asked her personal questions: the origin of her name, her place of birth, and other such things. At any rate, he gave her an excuse to stay secluded within the house away from the Light Dwellers. Even if hadn't been her fault, she still felt responsible for the pain all of Hyrule had endured seven years ago.
The pain caused by Zant's wrath became unmistakably real during Rusl's funeral only a few days ago. All of the villagers, along with Link and Zelda, gathered together in the late swordsman's home to mourn with the family of the deceased. Midna came along as well—one of her few ventures into the village—but only after tiring of Link's persistent pleading. Since there was no body, everyone made due with old pictographs of the warrior's life neatly arranged on a wooden table covered with white cloth and flowers. One by one, friends came forward to comfort the family and bear testimony to the noble life the man had lived. As the stories added up, it became evident how much of an impact the man had on the village. Just as the funeral was about to come to a close, Link stood and gave one final eulogy. He spoke of Rusl as both his father and mentor—a person he would never forget. Even though Midna didn't really know the man, Link's tears as he spoke caused her to choke up a bit herself. One more reason why she would see to it that Zant's death was especially painful.
"You will buy it now, if you are smart, at MAAAAA-LOOOO MART!"
The song scraped in Midna's ears like a fork on chalkboard. Her thoughts popped like bubbles as she looked up the path. Ahead, Link's friends—what were their names again—were nailing a sign to what should have been Sera's Sundries while they sang at the top of their lungs. If noise classifies as singing.
"What are you doing?" she asked politely as she fought to hide her irritation.
The kids ignored her as the hammer's rhythmic pounding provided a tempo for their continued song.
"You will buy it now, if you are smart, at MAAAAA-LOOOO MART!"
"Hey! Listen! I asked you a question!" Midna shouted.
"You will buy it now, if you are smart, at MAAAAA-LOOOO MART!" They continued to the hammer's steady beat.
Finally frustrated with the incessant chanting, Midna grabbed Talo's wrist, ripped the hammer out of his hand, and tossed it several yards away. The chanting stopped immediately as Talo, Malo, and Beth stared at the Twili dumbfounded.
"What was that for?" Talo asked in disbelief. He brushed by Midna and went to retrieve the hammer.
"Because you won't stop singing that stupid song!" Midna snapped back. "A child could think of something better."
Malo took an aggressive step forward. "Are you implying something?"
Beth looked away as she sighed to herself. "Here we go again."
Midna stared the entrepreneur down. Her hooded appearance intimidated the young man, but he refused to back off. She wanted to yell at him, but she needed to avoid drawing attention to herself. Instead, she lightened her tone. "I was just wondering what all the noise was about."
Talo returned with the hammer and resumed where he had left off. "Well, before you ruined the mood, we were hanging up a sign for the Grand Reopening of Malo Mart," Talo said dryly. "Since things didn't work out in Castle Town or Kakariko, we've got to rebuild somewhere."
It was at this point Midna's eyes darted to the wooden sign he had been hammering to the store wall. An image of Malo's childlike face stared benevolently at her while large letters signified the chain store's grand reopening. Malo and Beth began to chant the theme song once again, this time accompanying it with the store's signature dance. Midna had to look away as their hips swung and their arms pumped like cheerleaders. She could only hope the haunting images would leave her memory soon.
"All I wanted was some milk. If I knew I'd have to endure this torture, I wouldn't have come," she said dryly.
The two stopped their chanting. Malo folded his arms and stared at her with defiance. "If my song is so bad, then why don't you sing us a better one? You're an entertainer, after all."
Great job, Midna! You had to say something!
Tifa's joyous laughter caught the Twili by surprise as she turned around sharply. Both she and Ilia had joined the small crowd. "You're going to sing?" Tifa's eyes sparkled with glee. "I can't wait! Whatcha' going to sing, lady?" Tatl and Ilia watched with interest.
Midna felt a cold sweat run across her forehead as everyone murmured in excitement and anticipation. A flash of anger rang through her mind. Why an entertainer of all things? Why not a hermit? As she glanced nervously at the small crowd around her, the Twili sifted furiously through her memory for any song they might find acceptable. She knew dozens of familiar tunes from her home, but none she considered "appropriate." Most of them jested and exaggerated the strange qualities of Light Dwellers. Link had taught her a few local songs in their journey together, but none came to mind at the moment.
"Well, I can't sing without any music." Midna stalled for time. "I guess it'll just have to be another time." The Ordonians groaned in unison.
"You would say that," Malo said, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Don't think we'll let you get off that easily. If your songs are so great, then we all want to hear one." Everyone roared their approval.
Bloody Dodongo feet! What now?
"How do you run a good business if you harass all your customers? All I wanted was some milk." Midna challenged as she pulled her hood behind her. Defiant red eyes squinted from the intense light, but she was determined to show her resolve. Beth flinched.
Malo was unmoved. "Only when they harass me first." The small entrepreneur looked briefly to his newly opened store. "Milk can come later; we want a song now."
The shiver ran up Midna's spine again. So much for not drawing attention to herself. "Not without music."
Beth looked on excitedly. "We can always dance."
Midna scowled. "That won't be necessary."
Malo shrugged his shoulders. "Then sing without music. Who needs it, anyways?"
Just as Midna was about to respond, the notes from an ocarina danced around the crowd. Everyone turned their attention toward the direction of the ranch as Link walked pleasantly down the road with the Ocarina of Time pressed to his mouth. His closed eyes showed the peace the instrument gave him as he lost himself in the music. Those listening were swept off their feet with him as the majestic melody soothed their souls. Slowly, slowly, they let their minds drift from reality while the music caressed their ears.
Then, just as quickly, a wrong note killed the song's magic and shot everyone back to reality.
"Woops. Guess I need a bit more practice," the hero said as his cheeks turned a slight shade of red. "Anyways, did I hear someone needed music?"
Everyone brightened significantly. "Wow, Link! That was amazin'! Where'd you learn to play like that?" Ilia complimented.
Malo folded his arms and mumbled quietly. "It wasn't that great." He turned to the hero and spoke for all to hear. "Link, make this entertainer sing us a song."
Midna raised an eyebrow. "I have a name."
Link nodded his head curtly and walked over. "Indeed. Her name is Midna, and she has one of the best voices you'll ever hear." The twilight princess shot the hero a nasty glance over her shoulder as everyone's face brightened. As he turned to her, her death glare greeted him, one capable of killing a redead. Trying his best to ignore it, he smiled to brighten the mood. "When I was in Termina, I heard this amazing song called 'Ballad of the Windfish.' Midna, if I play the tune on my ocarina, maybe you can match it with your voice."
"I'm not sure if I trust your playing," she said sarcastically.
Link winked at her innocently. It was as if their conversation in Ordon Spring had never happened. "Well, it's worth a try." He sat down as he played a few notes, but nothing came out except hollow air. "No, that's not quite right." He moved his fingers to cover other holes in the instrument. "Not that either." He shifted his grip on the ocarina once again and sounded a few notes. "That should do it. Alright, I'm ready. I'll start and you come in when you're ready." Midna scowled at him but said nothing.
As Link brought the ocarina to his lips, he became lost in the music once again after a few notes. This time, however, his fingers moved naturally to the correct spots as he played note after note. He closed his eyes in concentration as his body swayed and his fingers played through the song on their own accord. The way his mind naturally remembered the melody was both surprising and invigorating. Though he had heard the song only once, it was as if he had played it dozens of times before. As the music enveloped his senses, a filmstrip of pictures and places played on his eyelids. Things he had never seen and people he had never met yet felt familiar nonetheless. The words of the Deku Tree echoed in Link's mind, and he quickly realized that somehow these were all connected with the Ancient Hero. Whatever allowed him to share his predecessor's experiences was now guiding his motions as he played.
In what seemed like mere moments, the hero reopened his eyes and the images vanished in a flash. Everyone sat on the ground swaying their head side to side with the melody. He slowly moved the ocarina from his lips and looked curiously around. "How did it sound?"
Everyone looked at him dumbfounded but no one spoke. At last, Malo voiced his opinion
"It sucked."
Ilia slapped the back of the entrepreneur's head. "Shutup, Malo! You wouldn't know something good if it slapped you in the face." The ranch girl turned to Link. "I think I speak for everyone here when I say it was simply amazin'."
Malo rubbed the back of his head gently. "Something good? No way in Ordon you'd fit that description then." He yelped as Ilia's hand left another firm imprint on his cheek.
The hero smiled bashfully and turned towards Midna. "So was it difficult to match the tune?"
The twilight princess looked smugly at him. "Singing? Your playing was more than adequate. There was no need."
Link tucked the instrument away in his back pouch. "I wouldn't go that far." He looked around as Tifa, Beth, and Talo all nodded their head in disagreement. "I had a lucky break, that's all."
Unfortunately, the music session was about to come to an end. The sounds of hurried footsteps drew everyone's attention as they saw Zelda sprinting towards them. The sounds of her exasperated breathing and the panic in her eyes filled Link and Midna with an anxious dread. Before she even said anything, the sounds of broken glass and yelling carried from the direction of the forest.
"Link! Come quick! Kari's in trouble!"
The hero instantly jumped to his feet and looked towards his house. His honed senses could detect the sounds of furniture being overturned and the smell of the city. Whoever was responsible was clearly not from Ordon.
Link sprinted towards the directions of the sounds, followed closely by Zelda and Midna. Ilia held Tifa tightly as she comforted the rest of her friends. As she was the oldest, they looked to her for guidance whether they admitted it or not—even Malo.
"Nobody panic. If we just stay here, everythin' will be just fine. Link's here, so we got nuthin' to worry about." she said confidently. In her heart, that's what she truly believed.
THWACK!
The ranch girl turned sharply as the door to Colin's house slammed loudly against the wall. The youth scrambled out the door with his sword and shield strapped to his back and turned frantically to her.
"What's going on? Did Fado turn another goat loose?"
Ilia shook her head. "I'm not sure. Link went to check."
The young man's face hardened. He reached for his sword. "Then I'm going too."
The ranch girl's eyes widened. "Colin—but what about your arm?"
Colin called back as he ran in the direction of Link's house. "It'll be fine."
Ilia let out a soft sigh. She thought she heard Malo make another sly remark, but she purposely ignored it. Colin was more stubborn than she remembered.
The shouting of strange voices filled Colin with apprehension as he approached the house. He was soon greeted by the sight of Link, Zelda, and Midna surrounded by half a dozen or so bandits. He dashed behind a tree before they spotted him as he took in his surroundings. His father had always warned him against rushing recklessly into battle—a lesson he hardly forgot. As he glanced at the bandits, he saw the familiar scorpion tattoo and instantly recognized them as the bandits that had attacked him in Castle Town. He stayed hidden as he watched the scene unfold itself.
"So you came to us, Zelda?" A man in heavy robes addressed them. His face seemed half hidden in shadow. He smelled so heavily of incense that the odor was overpowering. "You saved us the trouble of tearing this village apart, though I wouldn't have minded it." He brought a pensive finger to his chin. "Still, I wouldn't have thought to look in this backwater province had I not been told."
Zelda glared at the apparent leader of the bandits. "You're the man from the castle!" Her eyes narrowed. "Agahnim!"
Agahnim cracked his knuckles and looked confidently at his men. "I'm flattered."
Link stepped protectively in front of her. "Why are you here?" Zelda looked to the hero but said nothing.
The wizard glanced quickly at the hero and waved him off. "Are you really in the position to be making demands? You're not even armed."
"He's after Zelda." Midna broke in. "He tried attacking us in the castle, but he was sent home like the dog he is. He knows he'll lose again so he brought help this time."
Link eyed Agahnim with an almost perverse look of amusement. "Is that so?" He bent his knees as he prepared for a fight. Several of the bandits twitched in response but none attacked. "Do you even know who I am?"
The wizard sneered confidently. "Do I care? You'll be dead shortly."
Link looked quickly to Zelda and Midna and gave them a subtle nod. "We'll see about that."
Agahnim summoned a ball of dark energy in his hand. ""You'll soon fear the name of Scorpio." He signaled with a wave of his hand. "Kill them."
Instantly, the bandits rushed forward as the companions stood back to back. "Evil consumed by the goddess' ire, succumb to Mighty Din's Fire!"Their foes were only a weapons length away as Link finished the words and slammed his fist into the ground. The explosion sent the members of Scorpio flying as Zelda and Midna prepared to defend themselves.
Agahnim's face twisted to a malicious snarl. He launched the dark energy ball in Link's direction, but it was deflected by Zelda's own magic.
"You can't beat one chosen by the Goddesses." Zelda said as she focused more magic into her hands, the Triforce of Wisdom shining brilliantly on the back of her wrist.
A ball of light formed in her hands that she quickly launched at the dark wizard. Agahnim jumped out of the way as the incandescent sphere dispersed against the hard wood of Link's house. He summoned energy of his own as the two engaged in a duel of magic.. Meanwhile, the other thieves recovered from the blast filled with rage. With a wave of her hand, Midna trapped their feet with her own shadow magic. Seizing on the opportunity, Link overwhelmed them with his natural fighting prowess. Even without a weapon, he was more than a threat. One thief swung viciously at Link but was bound by Midna before he could complete the swing. As Link delivered a powerful kick to the stomach, another thief attempted to attack Midna with a dagger. Taken off guard, she wouldn't dodge in time. Seeing the cowardly attempt, Link rolled forward and delivered a powerful uppercut to the thief's jaw before he could recover. Blood and saliva splattered out as Link's fist met bone with a sickening crack.
"Just like old times," Midna joked with a wink.
"Except those times were actually life threatening," Link replied as he wiped some of the man's spit from his face.
Midna smirked as she trapped another thief by the feet. Meanwhile, Link grabbed the man's arm and flipped over it, twisting the poor soul's shoulder completely out of place. He hit the ground quickly as a stray ball of energy streamed by his head. Between dodging magic and the bandit's weapons, Midna and Link had their work cut out for them. However, their superior teamwork soon had all six bandits on the ground dressed in the cosmetics of bruises and scrapes.
"Okay Zelda, we're done. You can stop playing with him now." Midna said.
"This isn't as easy as it looks," Zelda grunted as she dodged another one of Agahim's attacks.
"Then let me help you," Midna offered. A small string of dark energy twisted around the magician's arm, preventing him from swinging his arm and launching another ball of energy. "He's all yours."
The artifact on Zelda's wrist glowed brighter as her light energy reached its peak. She launched the incandescent ball at the charged wizard, sending him sprawling against a tree with her light magic. He groaned to himself and attempted to get up.
Link assisted him by grabbing the scruff of his neck and pulling him violently up. The hero snarled like a feral beast as he spoke. "Who do you work for? What do you want with Zelda?"
Agahmim merely cackled to himself as his hand pulsated with an otherworldly darkness. In a desperate attempt, he made a grab for Link's throat with the shadowy hand.
"Link! Look out!"
The hero's wolf senses warned him well in advance, and he grabbed the wizard's wrist with a death grip before it ever reached him. Fear overwhelmed Agahnim as his eyes grew large.
"What kind of demon are you?"
The hero smirked. "Link." His grip on the wizard's wrist and neck tightened as Agahnim's face contorted at the growing discomfort. "From now on, you will cringe in fear every time you hear that name."
The wizard was speechless. His men lay defeated on the ground while he was being humiliated in front of his target. He hadn't taken account for such strength. Would he meet the same fate as Chikao? No! He couldn't let that happen! His eyes darted wildly until they found his hope for escape.
"I do not think so. Not if you value the life of your friend."
Link turned around and felt his heart plummet. "Kari."
Standing on the front platform of Link's house were two other members of Scorpio. One had Kari's hands tied tightly behind him while the other held a sharp saber to the Sheikah's neck. It was clear from the shame on the Sheikah's face that he had been ambushed. However, there was also a calmness there as he looked into the hero's eyes. Clearly, he had dealt with similar situations before.
"If you want your friend to live, then you all will surrender." Agahnim demanded. He smiled malevolently as he focused on Link. "You can start by putting me down, Mr. Hero."
Colin saw the reluctance in Link's fingers as he dropped the wizard to the ground. The blonde swordsman took another look at Kari's impassive face and realized the Sheikah was now looking right in his direction. There was an expectation in his gaze; and Colin soon realized Kari was waiting for him to act.
The youth reached for the slingshot in his pocket—who would've thought such a childhood keepsake would come in handy? He picked up a few rocks on the ground by his feet and prepared to aim. Doing his best to stay hidden, he pulled back the sling and let the projectile sail. The stone spiraled through the air and hit the wood above the guard's head. The sudden noise caught everyone by surprise. The saber-wielding thief looked to the woods to investigate the source but was soon greeted with a second stone that hit him square between the eyes.
With the guard momentarily stunned, Kari took advantage of the situation and kicked him hard in the face. Before the other bandit could draw his weapon, Kari twisted his body to break the thief's grip. A swift kick to the torso sent the remaining guard careening off the platform and to a hard fall below.
Link turned back to grab Agahnim again. Before he could react, the wizard threw down a smoke bomb from his sleeve. The hero fell to his knees as the severity of the gas overwhelmed his sensitive nostrils. Everyone hollered out to one another, and it wasn't until Kari was able to break his bonds and summon some wind to clear the smoke that everyone realized what had happened.
"They're all gone," Zelda remarked as she looked around. Just like she said, Agahnim and every last Scorpio had disappeared in the smoke. The only remnants of the battlefield lay in the charred grass where Link had used his fire spell.
"I'm sure they'll be back," Link said. He looked at her curiously. "You're quite popular."
"Believe me, sometimes I wish that wasn't the case." Zelda replied as she fixed her hair to be more presentable. She had to admit the herbal gel Uli gave her worked wonders.
"Don't I know the feeling?" the hero said as he stretched out his arms.
The ruler of Hyrule let out a small giggle. "Just another thing we have in common."
"I suppose so." The hero smirked as he shrugged his shoulders. He cast a quick glance towards the tree. "That was a nice shot, Colin. Have you been practicing?"
The blonde swordsman stepped sheepishly from behind the tree. "How long did you know I was there?"
Link walked up to him and patted his shoulder affirmatively. "Long enough to know we weren't in any real danger. I knew if something happened, you'd take care of us."
The youth beamed brilliantly, unable to hide his pride. "Of course." He looked everywhere but at his childhood mentor. "And if you ever need help again, you know who to call."
Link smiled as he and Colin walked over to where Zelda and Midna were checking Kari's wounds. "And if I needed that help in the future, would you be willing to give it to me?"
Colin tried to shrug his shoulders indifferently to contain his excitement. "I'd follow you anywhere."
The hero nodded and looked to Kari. "How are you feeling?"
The Sheikah checked the pocket on his sleeve and sighed inwardly once he confirmed the Wind Waker was still there. "Nothing but my pride is hurt."
Midna rolled her eyes as she smirked. "Six words. A new record."
"Midna!" Zelda looked at the Twili sternly.
She shrugged her shoulders and let the correction roll off. "Well, if everyone's feeling better, then we should get moving."
"Going where?" Kari inquired.
"To the desert. To see the Ancient Sages." Midna replied. "I could've had you all there a week ago if we hadn't reclined in the village so long. We're running out of time as it is."
Zelda looked curiously at the twilight princess. "Do we have to leave so soon?"
Midna began to fiddle with the hood of her cloak, feigning indifference. "If you want, we can just wait here until your fan club decides to attack us again."
Link nodded his head. "Midna's right. It's no longer safe here." He looked to each of his companions but stopped when he reached Colin. "We all have a long journey ahead of us. Gather whatever supplies you can while I talk to the villagers."
About a day and a crazy cannon ride later, the group was finally trekking through the harsh Gerudo desert to their destination. The group of eight fought their thirst and fatigue through the dry and sandy environment: Link, Zelda, Midna, Kari, Tifa, Tatl, Ilia, and Colin. The harsh winds stung against their faces even while the pale moon bathed them in a silver glow. Off in the distance, the sand rustled as leevers scuffled through the arid environment. Despite traveling at night to avoid the harsh desert heat, the group still moved at a slower pace as fatigue took its toll on the less experienced travelers. Kari and Link took the lead, followed by Zelda and Midna, while Colin, Ilia, Tifa, and Tatl brought up the rear.
"My feet are exhausted. Can we take a break?" Ilia called out from behind the pack. Her bloodshot eyes threatened to close as the exhaustion pulled every muscle in her body toward the desert sand.
"We rested over three hours ago. We are wasting valuable time." Kari called back. She said something in response but he ignored her. The Sheikah looked to Link as they walked side by side. "Why did you insist on bringing such a hindrance along?"
The hero let out a soft sigh. "Inexperienced? Yes. Hindrance? No."
The wind tamer looked at him oddly. "What does that mean?"
"She has never traveled this far before. However, she has skills with medicine that far surpass our own. We're going to need her." He paused slightly. "Besides, she is very stubborn when she wants to be."
Kari stole a quick glance backwards. "So what you are saying is she would have followed us anyways?"
The hero sighed again. "I'm afraid so. If we let her come with us, at least I can keep an eye on her."
"And the Kokiri girl? Something similar?"
The hero shrugged his shoulders. "Yes and no. While I have no doubt she'd follow us, I also feel like there's a reason we met her when we did."
The Sheikah nodded slightly. "I suppose. There are no coincidences with the Goddesses."
Suddenly, both were stopped in their tracks as Tatl flew violently in front of them. "Are you two deaf? We've been trying to get your attention for the past minute!"
Kari waved the fairy off. "I already said we cannot afford to stop."
"But Tifa is sick!"
Link looked behind him. Everyone else was crowded around the Kokiri girl. "What happened?"
"She just collapsed."
"Why?"
Tatl looked at him bewilderly. "Are you an idiot? She's been away from the forest too long! All this traveling is too much for her. I should've never let her come out here!"
Link turned around sharply and ran over to where Tifa lay in the sand. Kari and Tatl came up behind him. The Kokiri girl's breathing was raspy and forced. Her contorted facial muscles hinted at the pain she was enduring. Her face was white as a ghost. Ilia and Zelda knelt beside the Kokiri girl, dampeningher forehead with a moistened cloth. "What are we going to do?" Zelda asked helplessly. "We can't keep her like this."
Link looked around at the vast desert surrounding them. Dunes of sand reflecting the moon's light stretched as far as his eyes could see. A cruel desert wind whipped sand in his face, making the situation even more difficult. The only beacon of hope he could think of was the looming presence of Arbiter's grounds in the distance, but that was still a long way off.
"I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?" Tatl snapped. "Are you that useless? We have to do something!"
The group was silent as the fairy's words echoed in the night air.
"We should take her to the sages. It's our only hope at this point. Perhaps they can do something." Midna suggested. Everyone looked at her in surprise.
Link nodded his head as he hoisted the Kokiri girl over his shoulder. "It's our only option at this point. There's little good we can do for her here. It would be more difficult to go back."
Ilia attempted to get up but her legs soon collapsed under her. She looked pleadingly at Colin and Link. "I can't go another step."
Kari shook his head. "You're going to give up so easily?"
Ilia scowled. "I'm sorry I'm not good at this like you are. I'm just a simple country girl. If you want me to move so badly, then carry me yourself."
Kari tilted his head to the side. "If you insist."
"Hey! Wait! What are you doing?" she grunted.
Kari grabbed Ilia by the arm and hoisted the helpless ranch girl over his shoulder in a fireman's carry. "I am moving you myself, just as you requested."
"That's not what I meant! You put me down right now!" Ilia objected as she pounded weakly on the Sheikah's back. Zelda and Colin turned away to suppress their snickers.
"This is faster. If you stop complaining, then it will not seem as bad." Kari said plainly. He turned to the rest of them. "Anyone else?"
Colin shook his head quickly. "We'll be fine." Zelda nodded her head in agreement and the trio quickly ran to catch Link, Midna, and Tifa as Ilia complained the entire way.
Link kept a watchful eye on Tifa as they journeyed through the rest of the desert. The company kept their guard up as leevers rustled through the sand around them. Kari kept them safe as they finally passed through the desert and to the home of King Bulbin. The monsters were visibly upset at the trespassers and threatened to overwhelm them. However, as soon as they saw Link, they instantly stepped back. There was no mistaking the feral warrior that had torn through their lines time and time again and even bested their king. The silence was frightening as dozens of beady yellow eyes watched the group pass through. From a safe distance away, King Bulbin watched in resentful respect as the hero waltzed through his territory without even a greeting.
Tifa's breathing became fainter with each passing hour and her forehead was cold to the touch. He could feel her shivering in his hands and knew it wasn't just because of the chilly night air. Yet, they were finally at the entrance to the ancient prison. Tatl flew dangerously close; urging him to hurry as they entered its dark depths.
Yet, nothing in the actual prison would prepare everyone for what awaited in the mirror chamber. Not the sand they stepped in that was crusted with dry blood. Not the fragile skulls that broke beneath their boots. Not the eerie shadows cast by the few torches scattered on the walls. Not even the keese, redeads, stalfos, and other monsters that hindered their path. At this point, even Ilia stopped complaining; content to let Kari carry her through the frightening dungeon.
As the group passed through the room where Stallord had once rested and walked up the broken steps to the Mirror Chamber, everyone stopped in their tracks. What they saw took everyone's their breath away. Everyone except Midna.
She walked close enough to the hero so only he could hear what she had to say. "You wanted to know how I came back?" She said harshly in his ear, not out of anger but due to the bitter memories this place held for her. She pointed to the gruesome scene before them with a steady finger. "This is how I came back."
What had once been the Mirror Chamber was now a battlefield covered in pale, lifeless corpses. There was no blood, yet the distinct look of horror and pain was etched in every single one of their white faces. The graveyard of sand stunk something fierce with the decay of the feasted on the exposed flesh. Attached to the stone tablet where the entrance to the Twilight Realm had once been hung a body that was distinctly Twili. The corpse swung helplessly with the cold desert gale by a sturdy rope holding it by the wrists.
"These are all Twili." Link gasped. "But why?" He turned around sharply, holding Tifa carefully in his arms. "Midna! What happened here?"
"It looks like a battle was fought here," Kari commented as he placed Ilia gently on the ground and walked beside the hero. The sight was so overwhelming for the ranch girl that she shivered fiercely as she dropped to her knees, her normally gentle expression paralyzed with fear. Zelda placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as her eyes soaked in the grotesque site.
Midna placed her hood over her head as she turned away. "This was no battle. It was a massacre." The venom was evident in her voice. "All because of Zant."
"How did this happen?" Link inquired, placing the Kokiri girl in Kari's unsuspecting arms and walking slowly up to the Twilight Princess.
Midna kept her gaze focused on the sandy ground below. "He destroyed the entire Twilight Realm. We were exiled into the Light Realm where my people died slowly and without mercy from the foreign environment."
"But how?" Zelda inquired as she overheard the conversation. She left Ilia to join the discussion. The conversation they heard was beyond the Ordonians' understanding. "The Twilight Realm is a separate entity from the Light World. It's impossible for them to mix."
Midna shook her head and turned around. The look in her eyes was a mixture of intense grief and fiery hatred. "How should I know? Somehow he was able to destroy the Sols. That's when our nightmares began."
"Light and dark are two sides of the same coin. If that balance is disturbed, then one will dominate the other." Everyone looked around to find the voice of the speaker. At last, they turned their attention skyward to see none other than the ethereal figures known as the Ancient Sages. Said to have been present since before Hyrule's creation, they were the guardians of history's secrets. With the death of the Water Sage from Ganondorf's execution centuries earlier, there now stood five sages.
"Wise sages, what do you mean?" Zelda inquired.
"You're the sages?" Tatl hollered. "Get down here! Tifa needs your help!"
The ethereal figures floated gently down from their lofty perches atop the prison until they hovered only a few feet above the ground. Their faces looked like masks while their entire bodies glowed with an otherworldly light. "Just as the Twilight blanketed this world when the Light Spirits were defeated seven years ago, so Midna's world has been lost to the light. The two worlds exist within a fragile state of balance. Without the power of the Sols to keep it steady, the world of Twili collapsed upon itself and the denizens were sent here as a result."
"Then how are you still alive?" Link turned to Midna.
The Twilight Princess shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever Zelda did to me all those years ago, I'm able to survive here in mild discomfort." She paused. "Even so, I was on the brink of death when the sages revived me. All they asked in return is that I bring you all here."
Everyone looked at Zelda questioningly. "Now is not the time to discuss this. We need to attend to Tifa."
Tatl pleaded with the sages. "Please! There has to be something you can do for her! I don't know what I'd do without her!"
The Sages looked meticulously at the unconscious Kokiri girl within Kari's arms. They talked amongst themselves quietly; everyone looked nervously between the deliberating sages and the dying Kokiri. After a minute, they broke from their huddle and the Forest Sage spoke.
"I'm afraid there is nothing we can do for her. She has been outside the forest too long, and her body is reacting violently as a result. At this rate, she will soon die."
"No." Tatl whispered desperately. The fairy flew to her companion and looked at her helplessly. "You can't leave me."
Moved by their plight, Kari looked sharply at the ethereal figures. "Honorable Sages, surely there is something we can do. One so innocent should not have to die so tragically."
The Sage looked Kari over carefully. "There is nothing we can do." His eyes lit up as he caught a glimpse of the Wind Waker. "But perhaps there is something you can do, noble Sheikah. I see you possess that sacred instrument?" Kari nodded hesitantly, although he was evidently disturbed that they knew that much about him. The Sage then turned to Link. "The Spirit of the Forest tells me you possess the Ocarina of Time?"
"I do," Link nodded.
The Sage looked to Tifa. "Then there is hope. Centuries ago, in another time altogether, Hyrule was plunged into darkness by the Evil King. When all was thought lost, the Hero of Time showed up and awakened those who were destined to be sages, those whose spirits are linked with ours. With their help, the Hero of Time was able to bring peace back to the world."
Tatl looked to her beloved partner. "Where are you going with this?"
"An ancient evil has awakened and the Power of the Sages is needed once again." He waved to the unconscious Tifa with his hand. "I can sense that this Kokiri is the Sage of the Forest, though she has not yet awakened to her destiny. If we can awaken her slumbering power, then she may live. I only hope it is not too late."
"How do we do that?" Tatl asked quickly. "Whatever we need to do, we'll do it!"
"Link, you will need to give her the Ocarina." The hero looked to Kari, who set Tifa down gently on the rough ground. The hero took the Ocarina from his pouch and clasped it in the young girl's hands. "Now, Waker of the Winds, you must conduct the Minuet of Forest. Let your instrument guide you."
Kari looked skeptically at the sage. "Why me?" Nonetheless, he did as he was instructed. He took out the silver baton and began conducting. Surprisingly, as the instrument moved in his hands, the air seemed to sing a chorus that formed an upbeat tune. It carried with its melody the carefree lifestyle of the forest, bringing to mind images of tall trees and wildlife of all types. The notes echoed off the ancient prison as the Sheikah conducted.
Slowly, vibrancy returned to Tifa's body as her bright eyes opened and she sat up. Looking around curiously, she noticed the instrument in her lap. As Kari continued to conduct, the Kokiri girl slowly joined in the song on the ocarina. The two played the upbeat song in a duet while everyone watched. After a minute, the song was over and silence hung over the air like a thick cloud. Tifa looked pensively at everyone.
At last, the Kokiri girl spoke. "This is so strange. I suddenly know who I am. Who would've thought someone like me would be the Sage of the Forest?" She smiled at Link. "Why do you all look so worried? Did something happen?"
"We're just glad to be with you!" Tatl responded as she flew headfirst into the Kokiri girl's chest.
One of the Ancient Sages spoke. "At last, the Forest Sage awakens. Now there are but five more that must awaken to their destiny as sages."
Ilia spoke her mind. "Wait! What's going on here? What's all this talk about sages and magic?" After the initial shock of the scene before her, she had finally recovered. When she had heard Tifa was in trouble, she had listened intently. Yet, despite her best efforts, everything they talked about made no sense. One minute her new friend had been sick and now she was completely fine.
The Fire Sage spoke. "We will explain everything, though our time grows short."
The Sage of Shadow continued. "Our enemy even now is plotting his next move. Though he is only a fraction of his former strength, it is only a matter of time before he comes to obtain revenge on us for what we did to him."
This time the Sage of Spirit. "We knew this day would come."
The Sage of Forest continued. "The day Mudora would break free of his prison."
Zelda broke in as she helped Tifa to her feet. "Mudora? Like the one who wrote the book of Mudora?"
The Light Sage nodded. "The very same one."
Kari shook his head. "I have no idea who that is. I have studied all the ancient legends and not once was his name mentioned."
The Fire Sage spoke. "That is because this took place long ago when Hyrule was just an infant nation."
Tifa looked curiously at the sages. "He sounds like a pretty mean man."
This time Colin broke in. "Whoever this Mudora is, I'm sure Link can beat him, right Link?"
The hero looked solemnly at his understudy. "Well, I don't know about that, Colin."
The Forest Sage shook his head solemnly. "He could kill you in an instant."
Kari placed the Wind Waker once again in his sleeve and stood beside Midna. She eyed him curiously but said nothing. "Then just who is this man?"
The Sage of Water spoke. "He was once our leader—the Head Sage chosen by the Goddesses destined to lead the other six. His knowledge was without equal save for the Three themselves. Using the power of the Wind Waker, he used to conduct our worship in honor of the Golden Goddesses. He was also instrumental in aiding Hyrule's founders with sealing away the Triforce and establishing a new kingdom."
"That is until he thought himself superior to the gods." The Spirit Sage broke in.
"He deemed the ways the Goddesses ran this world as inferior to his own ideas. When they refused to listen to him, he launched a revolt that tore the land apart. Using his dark magic, he created a mask that carried out his dark ambitions. He persuaded other deities from the heavens to join his side: Bellum Malladus, even Volvagia. The ensuing conflict tore the very foundations of this world apart until he was finally sealed away and his followers dispersed."
"Now he has returned and seeks his revenge." The Sage of Shadow said solemnly.
"Then how are we supposed to defeat someone so powerful?" Kari demanded. He paused for a moment. "Wait! Did you say he possessed the Wind Waker?"
The Sage of Water nodded. "Beware, Kari. He seeks the power you now hold for it was once his. As the current Wind Waker, you will be the target of his wrath. Whatever you do, you must not give him that power."
The Sage of Fire spoke. "When he finds you, you will be faced with a choice: life or death. I can only pray you make the right one."
Tifa giggled. "Well, that's easy, isn't it?"
"Whatever happens, Kari, you must not allow yourself to fall into his hands."
Link felt his hand instinctively reach for the Master Sword in its scabbard. "Then how do we stop him before that happens?"
The Sage of Spirit nodded. "Your only hope lies in awakening the other five chosen by destiny. But to do so, you must find the accompanying instruments that belong to each sage."
"Instruments?" Kari asked.
"Just as the Leader of the Sages possesses the Wind Waker, so each sage has their own instrument originally designed to worship the Goddesses. For Tifa, the Forest Sage, it was the Ocarina of Time. The other sages each have a corresponding instrument or artifact: The Rod of Seasons, The Harp of Ages, The Spirit Pipes, the Guitar of Waves, and the Conch Horn," the ethereal Forest Sage explained.
"So what do we do once we find all the sages?" Colin asked.
"You will know when the time comes. Just have faith."
Kari shook his head. "That sounds like something I would say." Link smiled a bit at the comment.
"Bearers of Courage and Wisdom," the Shadow Sage addressed Link and Zelda. They looked at each other and shared a quick glance. Both were hoping no one besides them knew that the sage was referring to the power that dwelled within them. "Seek the new wielder of Power. They will prove to be an asset in your journey."
"Pray tell who it is," Zelda pleaded.
The Sages looked at one another and sighed somberly. "Sadly, we do not know."
Link looked around as he fidgeted with his boots. "So where do we start?"
The Sage of Shadow looked at the group. "Follow the leading of the Goddesses. Just be weary; Mudora will stop at nothing to prevent what you are doing." He paused and closed his eyes. "I have seen visions of the quest that awaits you all. It pains me to tell you that not all of you will make it. Some of you will die, some of you will be scarred for life, and yet you must persevere so that Mudora is stopped."
"The Goddesses always did have others do their dirty work for them. And with no help. And you wonder why I tired of serving them?"
The Sages looked to the sky. "It can't be. So soon!"
Link looked up and felt a sharp pain in his left hand. He looked to Zelda and the wince on her face said the same. Their Triforce was reacting. "That must be him."
Kari finished the sentence. "Mudora."
The deity jumped down so he landed on the frame where the Mirror of Twilight had once been. His long black hair flowed in the night desert wind. Even as it did, it remained perfectly tame as if held by magic. Scarlet robes held together with a sash made of a material from ancient times flowed down his sandaled feet. His golden earrings swayed as the powerful deity surveyed those around him. His piercing red eyes settled on Kari. "So you're the Wind Waker Zant told me about. The one who decimated his army." He paused for a moment. "Yes, I recognize you now."
Midna spit venom at the deity. "You work for Zant?"
Mudora spun around to face the Twilight Princess. His thick robes whirled around him like a skirt. "No, my dear, I'm afraid you have it backwards. You see, he is my servant, and has been for quite some time. It was his efforts that brought about my return."
"Then you're the god he was talking about," Kari gasped.
"The one he trusted in," Link continued. "I thought he was just bluffing."
Mudora chuckled to himself. "I see you all catch on quick." The deity then extended his hand out in a friendly gesture. "And now I offer the same opportunity to all of you. If you wish to join me and the side of victory, I will gladly take your strength."
Kari narrowed his eyes. "Why would we join a murderer and traitor?"
Mudora looked at the wind tamer and then to the sages. "I see you have already poisoned them with your lies, my brothers. I suppose you must be dealt with before you can do any more harm." He looked benevolently at Zelda and Link. "I suggest you all leave now. I do not wish for you to witness what is about to happen."
"You're going to kill them, aren't you?" Kari screamed. "But they're the Ancient Sages! Have you no respect?"
Mudora chuckled lightly. "Such a naive child. I am their leader." The Sheikah was silent as the deity's body began to glow. The aura surrounding him pulsated with power as he directed his piercing gaze at the Ancient Sages. "Now comes judgment!"
Meanwhile, Zelda tugged on Colin and Ilia's shoulder. "Come on! We should escape while we can." They followed her out of the mirror sanctuary.
"Why do we have to go?" Tifa explained. "What's the bad man going to do?"
"We don't want to find out," Tatl quickly replied. She pulled on the Kokiri girl's tunic with all her might. "We need to get out of here, Tifa."
"Come on, Tifa. You can hop on my back," Link offered. "I'll carry you out of here." The Kokiri girl jumped at the chance and the two raced for the exit. The hero turned back quickly. "Midna, Kari, are you coming?"
The Twilight Princess looked at the bodies of her people and then back to Mudora. "I won't let your deaths go unpunished," she whispered to herself. She turned and pulled Kari by the hand. Whoever this man was, his power sent chills shivering down her spine. "Come on, shadow stalker, we have to get out of here."
The Sheikah looked at his hand in hers but didn't say anything. Whoever this Midna was, she had the same fiery spirit as the woman he had met in the jail cell. But just who was she? Was there some connection between the two?
As he looked behind him, a sharp chill went through his body like lightning. Mudora had allowed them to leave. But why?
The group of companions raced out of the Mirror Chamber and back through Arbiter's Grounds as fast as they could. With Mudora and the Ancient Sages behind them, they continued to run until they were out of the dungeon and standing at the elaborate entrance.
The group stood in silence reflecting over what they had just seen and been told. To some, the story seemed like a fairy tale, so great was its and urgency. To others, it was a reminder of duty. Even when peace reigned in the land, the call of justice never let its agents rest. And still others, it was the promise of a grand adventure and a chance to see the world beyond.
"So now what do we do?" Kari asked inquisitively once they were safe once again. He looked around as everyone sought to regain their breath. "It seems we have gotten ourselves into bigger trouble than we imagined."
Zelda looked out to the vast desert expanse. The sun was just now rising in the east, causing the air to warm up significantly compared to the earlier desert chill. The sand was deceptively calm as only a weak breeze brushed against their bodies. "I suppose we have to awaken the sages. One of the instruments mentioned, the Rod of Seasons, lies in an extravagant temple within the Land of Holodrum. I remember visiting it as a young girl on one of my father's diplomatic missions."
"You make it sound as if you're going with us." Link commented.
"Is there a problem with that, Mr. Hero?" She gave him an insincere scowl.
Link backed up. "No, not at all. But what about Hyrule?"
Zelda folded her arms across her chest. "This is more important. If we neglect this, then there may not be a Hyrule for much longer." She paused as a slight smirk crossed her face. "Besides, I have Geoffrey and Ramiro to ensure that bag of hot air, Durian, will not do anything stupid."
"And what about you, Tifa? Midna? Colin? Ilia?"
"I followed you this far, silly. Why would I stop now?" Tifa beamed widely. "Besides, I'm the Sage of Forest now, remember?"
Ilia was next. "Someone's got to keep an eye on you. Besides, who else is goin' to patch you up when you do somethin' stupid?"
Colin shook his head resolutely. "I already told you I'd follow you to the end of the world if I had to."
"And how about you, Midna?" Link asked.
The Twilight Princess smirked. "Us? Go on another adventure together? I suppose I can handle that if I have to."
Link returned the smirk. "That just leaves you, Kari. I know this doesn't necessarily concern you."
The Sheikah maintained his usual impassive gaze. "Quite the opposite, Link. This man blasphemes the name of the Goddesses I serve. I could see it in his eyes. He seeks my life and their destruction."
"Then I guess you're coming," Link concluded.
"I wonder what gave you that idea?" Midna said.
Zelda smiled briefly. "Then it's off to Holodrum."
As the group continued to discuss their future plans, no one noticed the subtle change in the weapon strapped to Link's back. Little by little, the Blade of Evil's bane dimmed more and more. With each sage Mudora killed, the power in the Master Sword weakened. Before long, there was nothing left of the once legendary blade but a dull edge. The weapon of the hero was now but a shadow of its former glory.
A/N-So I have a little contest going. I'm not sure how many of you noticed, but many of the items and events in this plot actually exist within the Zelda universe outside this fanfic. One of the most recent examples is the six instruments I assigned to each sage. So here is the contest: The first person who sends me a review or PM with the name of the Zelda game where each of these instruments is found in wins a shout out in the next chapter as well as the ability to ask me any plot related question (and actually get it answered truthfully). Here are the instruments:
Ocarina of Time...Harp of Ages...Rod of Seasons...Guitar of Waves...Spirit Pipes...Conch Horn
See you next chapter!