Chapter 8
We wash up on a shore line, I look over to see Link shaking off his fur. I stand up and look around the restored Lake Hylia. I pull off the hat Link gave me and ring it out before putting it back on.
"We washed up right in front of the spirit spring, talk about lucky!" Midna said but I don't think luck has anything to do with it... surviving the jump and making it down the river in one piece should have been impossible.
"Are you okay?" I asked Link and he nods, "Then let's head inside." I said and we walk into the cave.
"I am... the last spirit of light... consumed by twilight... Hero... chosen by the goddesses... you have... done well to make it this far... Gather... my scattered light... stolen by shadow... in this." A vessel of light appears in front of me and I grab it. "Collect... my light... Lift the final cloud of twilight... that threatens to cover... all of Hyrule..." The spirit said as we head out and find the vessels of light.
After a few hours we're down to one more vessel. But we can't seem to find it.
"What's going on?" Midna said pulling out a map, which I didn't even know she had "There should be one more... where could it be? Let's head back, maybe we missed it." We head back to Lake Hylia and we see something massive splashing in the water. Lightning strikes and it begins to rain as we go over to the side of the lake and a massive bug emerges from the water. It looks like some sort of queen bug that was bigger than both of us. I shoot at its wings and it loses its ability to fly and Link finishes it off. We collect the final light and return to the spring and the veil of twilight lifts transforming Link back to normal.
"Don't forget to get that last fused shadow. Now!" Midna said as she disappears. The light emerges in the spring as a massive snake like creature made of the same light grasps it in its mouth.
"My name in Lanayru. Your efforts have at last restored each of us light spirits in Hyrule. O hero chosen by the gods... The dark powers that you seek... it waits in a temple set in the bed of Lake Hylia. But before seeing it you must bear witness to something and never forget it. You must know that it was the will of the goddesses that we lock away this forbidden power." he said, and we're both shown a vision.
"When all was chaos, the goddesses descended and gave order and life to the world. They brought power equally to all who dwelt in the light, and then returned to the heavens. The lands where the goddesses descended came to be known as the sacred realm. For ages, the people lived at ease, content in mind and body... But soon, word of the sacred realm spread through Hyrule, and a great battle ensued... Among those living in the light, interlopers who excelled at magic appeared. Wielding powerful sorcery, they tried to establish dominion over the sacred realm. It was then that the goddesses ordered us three light spirits to intervene, we sealed away the great magic those interlopers had mastered... you know this magic... it is the dark power you seek... the fused shadow. O hero chosen by the goddesses... beware... those who do not know the danger of wielding power will, before long, be ruled by it. Never forget that..." I snap out of the vision as I see Link fall to his knees gasping for air. I run over and make sure he's okay.
"Link? Hey! Take deep breaths!" I said as his breathing calms.
"The dark power you seek in within the sleeping lakebed temple inside Lake Hylia." Lanayru said.
"I'm okay," Link looked at me standing up, "Let's head back to Castle town," he said walking out.
"To get Ilia?" I asked following after him.
"Yeah," he said and we leave Lake Hylia. Link calls for Epona and we head to Castle town. We get to the gate and are stopped by the Heroes shade. We climb down and are sent to the sacred realm where the Hero's shade waits for us.
"We meet again... it appears your efforts have begun to return some vigor to Hyrule, but it's far too early to relax. It's time I teach you another skill... The back slice." He said as Link pulls out his sword and shield. "A mere shield attach is no match for an enemy protected not just by a shield, but by a thick, full body coat of armor. Such enemies are often focused on guarding against frequent frontal attacks. They often leave their rear unprotected. While their guard is up you can roll around them and quickly strike them in the back. Now try it." He said as he comes at Link and then roles to the side and gets behind him than strikes the Hero's shades' back. "You carry yourself well. But do not forget the proper timing for swinging your sword while you jump," He said as he looks at me, "How are your skills with a bow?" he asked,
"I'm still getting used to the weight but my aim has not altered." I said,
"What about in close combat?" he asked,
"I..." But before I could respond he was already charging at me. I don't hesitate to pull out the bow and shot an arrow right at his face... but he strikes the arrow away and continues charging. I fall to the ground unable to react but I knew I could do more. He stops right in front of me.
"I apologize, I thought with the air stirring around you, you had regained control over the elements," he said,
"What does that even mean?" I asked,
"Remember when you cleansed the miasma? Or when you healed Colin?" Link said,
"Yes, I did those thing but I still have no clue how I did those things." I said,
"In time you will, but be wary... I sense a magic around you that is trying to keep your memories sealed. It could have dangerous consequences." he said,
"Someone's trying to stop me from getting my memories?" I asked grabbing my chest. Who would do that?
"It would appear so... You must try not to let your emotions control you... there's still four skills for you to learn. May we meet again?" He said as we wake up.
"Could it be Zant who is trying to prevent me from remembering?" I said out loud,
"Maybe, just be careful... he said there could be consequences..."
"I know... just wish they'd all come back at once, make things a bit easier." I said,
"If only," Link smiled at me and that made me feel a bit better.
Let's go get Ilia." I said as we enter Castle town, Link's pace hastens to the point where it's hard to keep up with him. He stops in front of the bar and we head inside together.
"That is a Zora child! This is beyond my expertise!" We hear commotion ahead of us as an old man pushes through us and leaves.
"Doctor, wait! If something isn't done, this child will..." A girl our age runs next to us but stops after the old man slams the door behind him. She stared at the door, her short light blond hair gleamed in the candle light. It swayed to one side. Her clothes reminded me of the people I met in Ordon Village and my suspicion was confirmed as I looked at Link who was staring at her, his eyes sparkling. They make eye contact but she just looks away from him like he was nothing... the look on his face changed to heart break.
"Well... this isn't good. A human doctor won't help, huh..." Ilia walks over and sits next to a young Zora boy lying down. A woman was next to her looking down. Ilia starts to cry, I look at the Zora more closely he looks sick. "That old coot reminded me, though... I've heard of a shaman in Kakariko Village, in the Eldin lands, who's tended to Gorons and Zora's."
"Is it true? Perhaps if we take him there..." Ilia stood up with hope in her eyes.
"Inadvisable! Too dangerous!" Five soldiers from across the room walk up. "But we can't turn a blind eye to a pretty girl in need, either. Yes, we'd better escort you! Am I right boys?" They all cheer.
"Well isn't that nice." The woman said to Ilia, "To reach Kakariko village we've got to cross two plains that are each infested by dangerous beasts. But we'll be safe now!" she said as all of the soldiers run out of the bar in fear.
"My hero's" I said,
"Cowards! Don't ever show your faces here again!" She yelled as she notices us. "Hm? Looks like we got one swordsman and an archer left!"
"We can get you to Kakariko Village." Link said,
"You hear that? These brave lads are going to escort us. So get ready to go honey, pronto." The woman said as Ilia runs off.
"Lads?" I said to myself,
"You know that girl don't you?" She asked as Link nods, "It's a shame... she can't even remember her own name right now, Bless her heart. She found this poor boy collapsed in the road, so she did all she could to save him. More courage in that girl than all the soldiers of Hyrule."
"With what I just witnessed, I can believe that." I said as the woman looks at me with a shocked look.
"You're a girl?" she said.
"Link, I no longer like this hat!" I said starting to remove the hat from my head.
"Keep it on!" he said shoving the hat back on my head just as I was trying to take it off, "We're too close to Hyrule Castle!" he said,
"My name is Telma, please aid us in our journey." she said to us.
"I'm Link and this is Pura, you're in good hands." he said as we prepare a carriage outside of Castle town and Link and I get ready to go.
"The only problem is the Bridge to get to Kakariko village is broken." I said,
"Then we'll have to cross the bridge to the east." Telma said as we head out, we look ahead at the bridge and see a familiar monster patrolling it. It's the same monster who hurt Colin.
"That creep survived the fall?" I said,
"Unfortunately." Link said as we both climb on Epona's back and Telma takes the reins of the carriage with the Zora boy and Ilia inside, there was a small window on the side of the carriage as Ilia looked at us as we're walking by.
"T...Thank you so much for this. Um, if you don't mind me asking, what are your names?" she asked,
"I'm Pura." I said,
"Link..." he said and I could tell it hurt him to say that.
"Link? ... I will never in my life forget your kindness Link, and Pura!" she said,
"Little lady, I think you should save your thanks until we're safe in Kakariko..." Telma said,
"Hey! We'll get there just fine!" I protested,
"You're very vocal today." Link said,
"The fact that you noticed means my distractions are working." I said as he looks surprised but then he smiles,
"Thanks..." he said as we head out.
"Ready to roll?" Telma asked and off we went. I pull out my bow when we make it to the bridge and Telma stops the carriage.
"We'll clear the bridge, you wait here." Link said as we step onto the bridge. Looking ahead I see the monster has shields strapped on both sides, meaning just slashing his side won't send him flying again. "You ready Pura?" he asked,
"Ready!" I said pulling out an arrow and we charge just as the monster starts charging towards us. I quickly shoot the monster in the head just as it gets close making the monster wince back in pain lifting his shield and just as we're pass him Link strikes him again and he's sent flying down towards Lake Hylia. I notice that he dropped something just before he fell.
"Is that a key?" Link asked as I climb down and pick it up.
"Could be important, let's keep it." I said as Telma rides up to us.
"You two are insane! Keep it up!" she said as Link helps me back up on Epona's and we head out and continue to Kakariko Village. I shoot the monsters in the sky and Link keeps the monsters on land at bay. We're stopped at a locked bridge and I get down to unlock it using the key we got from the monster. Link staying close to cover me while I push the gate open and we continue.
"We're almost there!" Link said as we finally make it to Kakariko village. And enter the large building, Link carrying the Zora boy and we see Renado with the other children.
"Renado, this boy needs help." I said,
"This way!" he leads upstairs to a room with several beds, Link lies the boy on a bed,
"I'm going to need some space, wait for me outside." he said as we all leave waiting by the door,
A few hours pass and Renado exits the door and we all turn to him looking in anticipation.
"He has passed through the worst of it. As long as he rests, he should recover in due time." Link and I both smile. "Do you know the fate of his mother?" we both flinch. "Her welfare consumes him. He has been mumbling deliriously about her almost constantly..." We both lower our heads unable to answer. "I can see the knowledge grieves you. It must be an awful memory."
"I'll stay with him and take care of him. No matter how long it takes." Colin said,
"Is that so? Thank you Colin" Renado said as all of the kids walk into the room. We head outside for some fresh air and Colin follows after us,
"Hey Link, about Ilia... is it true?" he asked,
"Yes..." Link said,
"And regaining it will be no simple task." Renado said walking towards us. "But it will be alright child, If we just give her some time, I am sure Ilia will find her heart again." ... her heart? Is that the same with me? Could it be I've lost my heart? Colin runs back inside and Renado bows to us before walking away.
"Nice to see there's still hope here. And it's always good to see happy results repay your efforts... Those skills of yours... Any chance you're of the mind to put them to use for Hyrule? What hope there is in Hyrule is frail and dying... but there's still a group trying to do what it can, and I'm a member of that group." she winks at us. "I may stay here a bit longer. I'm still worried about Ilia and..." she looks over at Renado, "Well, never mind about the rest." She said standing over us looking firm, "Link, Pura, I want to see you two again at my bar, you her me?" And we both quickly nod. "The bar is actually a safe house for my friends. There's a secret passage that leads to the castle from in there as well." she said starting to walk towards Renado, "If you ever need anything, stop by. I'll be waiting for you, honey!" She said with a wink before she runs off. We're about to head back inside as we see Rutela appear. Her spirit floats over to the graveyard and we follow after her. She goes to the back of the graveyard where there's a stone and it disappears revealing a hole big enough to crawl through. We crawl inside and there's a spring and on the other side is a large elegant tombstone. Rutela floated next to the grave and we swim across to talk to her.
"I am deeply grateful to you for aiding my son in his time of need, you were right to bring him here. Kakariko village is a sacred place for the Zora people. It is where we take our eternal rest. My husband in life, King Zora, also rests his spirit here. It is no coincidence my son found salvation in this place. That which I promised you is within this grave, during his life, my husband created a garment specifically for the chosen hero, the garment that houses the abilities of the Zoras." she said as the tombstone moves and underneath it is a pile of armor and cloth. "Now, at last, I can join the king in slumber. And yet... My son... he still knows nothing of my death. If you see him again, please pass on this message... Tell him he must not grieve his mother's passing. Tell him she wanted him to be brave and live on as the king of our people. And... Tell him his mother loves him without end. Tell him..." she disappears... I could no longer hold back my tears.
"Well, it's a good thing you found all of your friends and picked up that nifty Zora armor... But aren't you forgetting something kind of important? The last fused shadow. Remember what Faron the light spirit said... he said you would need the fused shadow to defeat the dark overlord Zant and save the world... So let's go get it." Midna said.