Chapter 12: Circus Leader's Mask.
Romani found herself being shaken awake. One of the guards of Clock Town loomed over her, checking her for injuries.
"She's awake," he called out to the other guards nearby. They hurried over and helped her up into a sitting position.
"What...happened?" Romani asked, dazed.
"There was a monster attack," the guard explained, "Thanks to you and Kafei, you guys managed to chase it off. Thankfully, no one was hurt here, but the innkeeper was carried off."
Romani hurriedly stood up, "We have to help her!" The guards grabbed her to keep her from falling over. Two horses galloped from the direction of Milk Road. Romani, even in her dazed state, recognized the riders as the Gorman brothers. They came to a stop in front of the guards.
"Help us!" they pleaded in unison, "Our track is under attack by some ferocious monster!"
The guards stood up and helped the Gorman brothers off of their horses. As they hammered out the specifics, Romani gathered her weapons and saddled one of their horses stealthily. She managed to gallop away before anyone stopped her. The guards called out at her, telling her that she was in no condition to ride, but she ignored them as she headed down Milk Road. She took a hard left towards the Gorman track, and the horse instinctively jumped the gate they put up to detain the monster.
Zak opened the door to the Mountain Smithy. Zubora smiled and welcomed inside. "Ah, yes, the young Ranch Warrior. You have impeccable timing, you know."
"Thanks," Zak replied, "But the work order you gave me was incredibly specific. I hope you're actually on time with my weapon."
Zubora sipped on his cup of tea, "My boy, our word is oak. Isn't that right, Gabora?" His larger partner roared in response. Zubora handed Zak a sheathed sword. "I'm surprised you managed to get gold dust during this time of year. You must tell me your secret."
Zak shook his head, "I have my ways. Will this sword break?"
"Of course not," Zubora waved his hand, "Thanks to that gold dust you supplied, it won't. By the way, why did you want an entirely new sword? It would've been cheaper if you'd let me enhance your toothpick."
Zak smiled, "Nobody else can touch my Giant's Toothpick. Trust me, it's masterfully crafted." He took the Guilded Sword from Zubora and exited the Smithy after saying his farewells to the two blacksmiths. The minute he strapped his new sword on his back next to his Giant's Toothpick, he felt the distinct impression of eyes upon him. He walked down the mountain cautiously, watching his surroundings. As he entered into Termina Field, he spotted a familiar figure standing in his way. Zak instinctively grabbed his sword. "You," he snarled.
Romani galloped along the Gorman track, squinting at the fast-moving figure in the distance. It called out in a familiar cry as soon as it noticed her gaining on it. Arrows fired out at her in huge waves. Romani dodged left, her horse turning left with her. A tree loomed in front of them. Panicked, she steered right, narrowly avoiding colliding with it. She called out in pain as the bark scraped her across the back. Her horse galloped towards the fleeing monster. It turned to watch her, tears streaming from its beady black eyes. With another yell, it pulled out a massive cleaver and swiped at her.
Zak fell back, barely able to keep a hold onto his spear. The man stepped forwards, sword at the ready. Zak rolled to the side of him, and received a swift kick to the ribs, which sent him airborne. The man laughed, jumping high into the air before crashing down on Zak. Zak pulled out his sword just in time to block him. The man responded with a few lateral slices, forcing Zak to jump backwards.
"Why are you doing this?" Zak demanded, "This person you've become, it's not you."
"Maybe you're not so observant," he said while taking aim with his bow. He fired several well-aimed shots, which Zak narrowly deflected with his shield. Zak jumped at him, bringing his sword down at his head. The man tilted his head slightly, forcing Zak to miss completely. Zak landed on his feet behind the man and immediately rolled forward, dodging another horizontal slice. The man spun his sword in his hand absentmindedly. "I'm impressed, my boy. You being able to dodge me so many times. I'd almost be proud of you."
Zak dropped his shield and unsheathed his new gilded sword, "See, the thing is..." He leaped again, slashing wildly. The man backflipped, taking a few slices up his back. He held his sword out to his side as Zak advanced. Zak ducked below the man's spinning attack, rolled, and sprang up in a corkscrewing fashion, slicing at the man. The man's sword collided with Zak's weapon, which sent Zak flying through the air. Zak tumbled end over end as he fell down the grassy hill. He looked up to find that the man in the purple tunic had vanished. "Damn it!" he cursed, punching the ground in frustration.
Romani weaved in and out of the trees, unable to get a clear shot. The crying monster swung its cleaving around wildly, spooking the horse it was riding upon. The horse stopped and bucked around. Romani slowed to a stop and aimed her bow carefully. With one shot, she took the monster off of the horse's back. It flopped around on the ground, water pouring out of its eyes. She sang Zak's song to it, and its body deteriorated into a mask that resembled one of the Gorman brothers. She fired a few arrows at the mask before she managed to hit it. The mask split open, and a white light drifted up out of it before dissipating. Exhausted, she rode back towards the Gorman's stable. She led the horse inside and limped away, ignoring the Gormans shouting obscenities at her for stealing their horse. Romani headed back into the ranch, where she was greeted with her worried sister's arms grabbing her tightly.
"Oh my God, Romani," she exclaimed, both of her hands grasped onto her cheeks, "You look awful. I heard that the Gorman brothers were attacked by some strange creature. Was Zak there, did he help you?"
She shook her head, "No, Cremia. Actually, I handled it all on my own."
Cremia hugged her tightly, "I'm just glad you're alright. Come inside, please."