Chapter 18: Aboard the Sandship
Loud creaks echoed underneath the boots of the knight students who walked upon the upper deck of the Sandship, as they decided to call it. Sand & dust cover the entirety of the ship, along with several roaches. Worn-out sails dangle from the old masts. The mast in the center has a strange round blue object that reminds them of a target. The quartet gaped at the sheer size the Sandship showcased.
"Look at the size of this place!" Link commented as he walked around the deck.
"You probably can fit the entire Knight Academy on this ship," Pipit added.
Fi exited the sword. "Allow me to give my analysis, Masters. The remains I detect indicate that some of the monsters that attacked this ship are said to wield large amounts of energy. I advise you to explore the ship with caution should you locate the Timeshift Stone Skipper mentioned. Your current selection of pouch items is survival-focused. Suitability to our current location is 75%. All of your items correctly focus on defense and recovery. Be aware, though, that close combat will likely be unavoidable in the ship's corridors."
"We will. Thanks, Fi." Link turns to Karane after Fi returns back to the sword. "Can you feel the flame?"
"It's somewhere below the ship. I have no clue how to get to it."
"Skipper said there's a Timeshift Stone here. Maybe that will help the way," Fledge brought up.
"But I don't see one anywhere." Pipit glanced around the upper deck.
Link looked around for any sign of the stone. He sees a door on the front side of the sandship.
"We'll start looking in there." Link gestured in the door's direction.
Straight ahead lay another door. Next to it were stairs leading below the deck. The inside was just as dusty and worn as the outside deck.
"We should split up," Link suggested. "Karane, you and I will look through that door. Pipit, Fledge, you two look below the stairs. Try to find the stone, the flame, or even where the crew…would be."
"You got it, boss." Pipit gave a thumbs up.
"Be careful, guys," Fledge called out as he and Pipit walked down the stairs.
Link and Karane walked through the door to the very front of the Sandship. There wasn't anything important at first glance. Then Karane noticed it. A figure stood at the end of a wooden walkway narrow enough to fit one person, chains guarding both sides of the path. The figure wore an old torn crimson coat & striped pants, along with a hat similar to Skipper's own. Karane walked forward to get a better look at the mysterious figure. When she moved close enough and further away from Link, a fence with dangerous-looking spikes popped up behind, separating Karane from Link and trapping her on the walkway. Link attempted to touch the gate, but it sent an electric shock at his hand and body. It was strong enough to send him flying back, knocking him out.
"I thought I saw a smaller boat out there. I knew it was only a matter of time before you came." The figure turned to face Karane. The exposed parts of its clothes revealed metal parts. A large hook encases his left hand. This person looked similar to the Ancient Robots, but he looked more human-looking. "Who dares to intrude upon MY ship?"
"Karane Bellamy…" She trailed off. "May I ask who you are?"
"I am Scervo. Captain of this fine ship."
"You're Scervo?" Karane inquired, surprised that this robot still lived after all this time. "The pirate captain that Skipper mentioned?"
"You know Skipper?" Scervo hissed at the mere mention of Skipper. "I should've figured that pesky little robot was the one to take down the invisibility cloak. I will admit it is impressive that he hasn't given up after one thousand years. But if he managed to lose his grip on this ship to me that easily it proves that I am the superior model over his line. Therefore that makes this ship and the flame rightfully mine."
"Except they're not yours. Hylia made that flame for an important purpose." Karane argued in an attempt to reason with the robot captain.
"To hell with that divine whore! My kindred did everything for her! And what did we get in return? Rejection! Dismantlement! Complete eradication of my line!"
"She did that because your line of robots tried to kill people!"
"No…she feared us. Plain and simple. She might've destroyed my kind, but I still live. Each day I live, I continue to spite 'Her Grace.' I will do whatever it takes to ensure I'm superior to my replacements and those meat bags she calls humans. That includes keeping the flame from the likes of you."
"It is not yours to keep! Neither is this ship!"
"You're treading dangerous waters, girl." Scervo pointed his metal finger at her in a warning manner. "I'm giving you and whoever you came with one chance to leave my ship with your life."
Karane stood her ground. "Tempting offer, but I'm afraid we're not going anywhere until we get that flame."
"Very well…If you wish to take the flame and the ship…." Scervo pulled out a sword sparking with electricity. "YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FIGHT ME FOR IT!"
"Well, there goes negotiations." Karane thought to herself as she geared up with her sword and shield.
Scervo charged towards her at full speed, a roar emitted from him. Karane met her opponent halfway, eyes lingered on the robot captain. She noticed just how narrow the walkway was. If there's anything she remembers from learning sword combat is that limited spaces left little room to swing the sword. The only option was to thrust it forward and move it up & down. When the moment came, she swiped her sword against Scervo. This knocked him back several feet from her. Karane eyed the end of the walkway. With the captain's reaction to getting hit, she could knock him off this ship!
Both opponents spend the next several minutes of the process fighting. Karane would strike at the robot when the moment came, which caused him to slide back. There had been moments when Scervo attempted to hit her with his sword as the blade pulsed with electricity. Thankfully the Sacred Shield managed to repel the attack. They trade more blows until Karane knocks Scervo's sword out of his robotic hand.
Scervo appeared to be shocked. Then it was soon replaced by arrogance.
"I'll have to admit. You have some skill, especially for a human." Scervo pulled out another sword from the side of his hip. "BUT IT WON'T BE ENOUGH TO SAVE YOU!"
The barricade keeping Karane in moved up to where she was, trapping her further away from the entryway. Karane repeated, waiting to strike Scervo while blocking his attacks with his electric sword. They trade blow after blow, moving closer to the end. Finally, Karane managed to not only knock that sword down but also Scervo's right arm. Scervo was in complete utter shock.
"Grr! You little bitch!" Scervo swiped at Karane with his hook, which Karane barely dodged away. The barrier moved even closer to the edge this time. "I have been here on this ship for one thousand years! I will not lose it to a little wretch like you!"
With only his large hook left, Scervo took swipes at Karane. The impact of Scervo's hook felt even more rigid than both of his swords combined. It seemed like this fight was going on as usual. Until Scervo manages to knock Karane's sword out of her hand, sending it flying back next to Link's still unconscious form. The robot took the moment of Karane being in shock to take a strike with his hook. The tip of his hook sliced diagonally across Karane's right cheek. It didn't do much damage, but it did cause enough pain for her to shriek. She clutches her cheek to soothe the bleeding, dropping her shield and forgetting briefly about the battle. With his hook pulsed with electricity, Scervo used the opportunity to strike her again, knocking her back several feet. Karane landed on her back, her body suffering the electrocution for several seconds before it died. Scervo towered over Karane's daze form, blood streaming from her bleeding cheek.
"You should've fled while you had the chance. You put up a good fight, at least. A shame that I have to take out a skilled opponent like you."
Scervo lifted his hook high to prepare to strike Karane down. But before he could get even close, he was forced back by a crystalized blue shield. It faded away after a moment. Karane slowly sat up, giving the pirate a smug smirk. It seemed to irritate him even more. A roar erupted from him as he attempted to strike her down, only to be blocked by the crystal shield again, sending him close to the path's edge.
Link finally came to his senses. The lingering effects of the electricity slowly faded as he moved up. His eyes caught sight of Karane's sword lodged in the wood deck. The hero looked ahead to see Karane get knocked down by Scervo, who attempted to strike her down only to have his attack be repealed by the powers of Nayru's Grace twice. Link knew Scervo wouldn't be knocked down for long. He didn't realize how deep Karane's sword was in the deck. Glancing at the Goddess Sword on his back, a sudden idea came to him.
"Karane!" Link ran up to where the girl was. "Catch!"
Link threw his sword at the girl. Karane swiftly caught it in her hand. With the Goddess Sword in her hand and reclaiming her shield, Karane charged up the robot as he finally got back to his feet. Karane delivered several hard blows. After a long grueling process, she sliced off the robot's hook, knocking him off the edge of the walkway and the ship.
"CCCCUUURRRSSSEE YYYYOOOOOOOUUUUUUU…!" Scervo screamed out as he fell until his body exploded upon impact on the ground below. Scervo was no more.
Karane stood near the edge, panting heavily as her grip on the Goddess Sword remained strong. A blue chest appeared at the edge of the pathway. The barrier blocking her escape was gone, allowing Link to move up to her.
"You okay?" Link asks Karane with concern, especially with the bleeding cut on her cheek.
"I've survived worse. I'll be fine," Karane responded casually. "Here. Thanks." Karane gave the Goddess Sword back to Link.
"Masters, that synthetic life-form…." Fi addressed the pair once Link regained the sword. "I can confirm that it's the pirate described by Skipper. I can't help but admire its tenacity in staying alive and functional after the past one thousand years."
"Damn…" Link muttered. "How can something stay alive all this time?"
"Pure spite or just too angry to die." Karane quipped, which earned a chuckle from Link.
"At least he left us with a parting gift." Link opened the chest. Inside it appears to be an archer's Bow and a quiver holding many arrows.
"A bow?" Karane questioned.
"That is correct, Master Karane." Fi clarified. "This Bow, in particular, can propel arrows through the air with great force, allowing you to strike your targets from afar.
"Not only that, but there's also a map to the ship in here." Link pulled out a large piece of paper that showed a layout of the Sandship. This will definitely make traversing the ship easier.
"You can also shoot arrows to strike certain devices to activate them," Fi explained. "I have confirmed that such a device exists on the deck. However, it will be difficult to target it from here, so I recommend you both return to the deck."
With that said and done, Fi retreats into the blade. Link brings his attention to Karane, specifically the gash on her cheek. The pair return to the inside of the front ship. They found a stool for Karane to sit on while Link could help her dress her wound. Seconds later, footsteps echoed from the stairs as Pipit & Fledge appeared from below.
"Karane?! Dear Farore, are you okay?" Pipit practically ran over to Karane.
"What happened to you?" Fledge asks as he rushes up as well.
"I'm fine," Karane assured. "Let's just say I got acquainted with Scervo."
"Scervo? The pirate that Skipper mentioned?" Pipit questioned.
"'Fraid so," Link responded as he pulled out a red potion. "Any of you got spare rags?"
Fledge reached into his pouch and pulled out what Link wanted. "Here."
"Thanks." Link poured portions of the potion on the rag, giving the bottle of the remaining contents to Karane for her to drink.
"Does it look bad?" Karane asked Link after she drank the bottle.
"Given the size of Scervo's hook, it could've been a lot worse. You're lucky your face didn't get sliced off. It's gonna leave one hell of a scar." Karane let out a low hum in response. Link tried to cheer her up. "Look on the bright side. You'll have a badass story to tell."
"You think so?"
"Definitely. Not every day you fight with an ancient crazy robot."
"I guess that makes me feel a little better."
Link finished cleaning the wound. "Alright, I think it should be good. Just need to cover it up with a bandage."
"I have some sticky bandages in my pouch."
Karane gestured to her pouches that she had moved to the base of the stool. Link was about to reach for them, only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
"I'll do it," Pipit offered. "You take a break."
Link moved his hand back. Pipit reached in, moving his hand around until he found what he sought. Gently, he placed the bandage over the freshly clean cut on Karane. Pipit couldn't help but notice the beauty of her bright blue eyes that she had regained from Nayru's Trial. He never had the moment to truly admire them. This continued for several seconds before he focused on placing the bandage on Karane's cheek.
"I think that'll do," Pipit softly patted the bandage.
"Thanks, Pipit. And thank you, Link, for helping me back there."
"Happy to help, sister," Link chimed.
The quartet exited back on the main deck of the Sandship right after Link showed Pipit & Fledge the Bow he and Karane acquired. They search around for the strange device Fi had mentioned. Their sights were returned to the peculiar blue target on the mainmast. Fi confirmed with them that that was indeed the device in question.
Link took the shot at the target. Thankfully, Link, and everyone else, had learned archery as it was part of their training to become knights. A large familiar stone appeared at the top of the ship's main mast. Fi again confirmed that is the stone that Skipper had mentioned to them. Link shot another arrow at the Timeshift Stone, transforming the surrounding area.
The old, worn Sandship became covered with bright colors. Faded torn-up sails were now perfectly intact in the shade of orange. The sand surrounding the ship filled with at most a mile of water. The student's wonder at the changes was short-lived when another arrow was shot at them. Several Bokoblins stood high on the masts wielding archers' arrows. Under different circumstances, this would pose some problems. Except two of their targets had wielded a bow, while the other had the power to create shields. Link shot at the Bokoblins with his Bow while Karane reflected the arrows straight back at the shooter with the power of Nayru's Grace. The monsters were gone within minutes.
"Good job, you four!" Skipper hovers towards them. "I saw the fight with Scervo from my boat. Which one of you was the person to do it?"
Karane stepped forward. "I did. Had some help from Link but managed. Scervo won't be bothering you guys anymore."
"By the goddesses, that's amazing news! With him gone, taking back this ship will be a breeze for you guys, especially now the ship looks like it used to. That makes me so happy. Not only that, but you found the Bow as well. That just makes it better."
"We also found this." Link showed Skipper the map of the ship. "Any idea where your crew might be?"
"I'm certain they're being held in the brig inside the ship." Skipper pointed to a section of one of the lower levels of the Sandship. "It's below the ship. Hopefully, they'll be there. I bet more of Scervo's crew are still lurking on the ship, so be careful! I'll just stay on the boat until it's safe to return."
The humans returned to the ship's inside, which was just as colorful as the outside deck. Pipit & Fledge revealed that during their exploration, they did stumble across a room with the remains of the ancient robots and Bokoblins. They also mentioned a large gold door next to that room, reminiscent of the doors they had seen at the end of the temples they had all visited.
Like Skipper warned, several more Bokoblins, Technoblins roamed the halls. They were relatively easy to take down this time around. They soon found the brig where the members of Skipper's crew were being held, with more Technoblins standing guard. They all took the monsters out in a breeze.
"You're all human, aren't you?" One of the robots inquired as the group approached the bars. "How did you get in here?"
"We came with Skipper to save you. We defeated Scervo as well," Link answered the robot.
"You know Skipper? I'm so happy to hear that he's doing well and that Scervo is gone now!"
"Can you tell us how to get you guys out of the brig?" Karane questioned the robot.
"We can't get out while that sparky thing blocks the exit." The robot points to the only entryway to the cell, which is blocked off by an electric wall. "The only way to deactivate it is from the engine room. The engine room is right below the brig. A corridor in the engine room connects to the brig, but it's locked from this end. You four need to access it from the engine room. But to get through the engine rooms here, you need to activate the two power generators in the engine room. The generators are located in two different locations on the ship."
The robot pointed toward the generators on the ship's map. Now it was clear what to do. Next, the quartet set off to find the generators.
The first generator was relatively easy to find and activate. Pretty simple, really. Enter the room, Link puts the sword in, and just like that, it is activated. A vibration fell through the room as it did. The second one posed a challenge. The door leading to it was blocked from the other end. Fortunately, a room next to it had an unlocked door. After taking down more Technoblins, plus a Beamos, they search the room for clues. From their position, they could see the other switch to the power generator, access to it being blocked by the bars on the door and the middle of the room.
After minutes of searching, one of them stepped on a small platform that moved down the moment they stepped on it. A blue target appeared on the other end of the room. The same type of target was seen on the mast that held the Timeshift Stone. Link shot an arrow at the target, which removed the bars from the door. The group entered the room with newfound access and turned on the last power generator. All there's left to go to the engine room.
Finding it was a tad difficult. It was located on the lowest part of the Sandship. When they finally arrived, they were greeted with large metal boxes moving up and down. The switch to turn off the electric barrier in the brig and the door leading there was at the other end of the large metal blocks. It took careful timing to pass through them to ensure the quartet wouldn't get crushed by them. Eventually, all four students safely reached the engine room's other side. They found the switch connected to the brig, which they gradually turned off. After that, they found the door which led to the brig, so they returned there. The robots that were imprisoned now roam free in the brig.
"You all did it!" The robot from earlier cheered with joy. "My circuits are glowing with happiness. How can I repay you all?"
"Well…could you tell us where we can find Nayru's Flame?" Link inquired.
"Really? You need to find Nayru's Flame? Why is that?"
"We need it to find a friend of ours," Karane revealed.
"Oh? What for?"
"She went to a place we can't exactly reach under normal circumstances," Pipit responded.
"The flame is the only way we can reach her. Without it, we can't do that," Fledge added on
"I see…If you want to reveal Nayru's Flame, you must regain control of this ship," The robot told them. "You probably noticed that large door on your way here, correct? That is the control room. You'll need a key to open it."
"Do you know where we can find it?" Link asks.
"The key should be in Skipper's cabin." The robot handed them a key. "Use this to gain access to it. Call it our thanks for saving us. You can get to Skipper's cabin through a door on the deck at the back of the ship. But I and the others are joining back with Skipper. Sorry to leave this all on your own, but we're due for a reunion. Plus, we've been in here long enough. I'm sure you all can do it."
All the members of the Sandship crew exited the brig. The quartet made their way to Skipper's Cabin. They found the familiar large white chest with the red gem in there. Inside the chest is a carving that resembles a squid of sorts.
"That the key?" Pipit asks.
"Seems like it." Link gazes at the carving in his hand. "Now, we just use this to enter the control room to get the flame."
"That sounds great," Fledge states unenthusiastically, crossing his arms, his elbows in his hands.
"Something wrong?" Karane asked Fledge.
"It's just…Whenever we find one of those strange keys, some monster comes out of nowhere and tries to kill us."
"Fledge, there's no monster out here," Link assured the orange-clad student. "I'm sure whatever monster lived there is no doubt is long gone. I think we have nothing to worry about."
Ghirahim reappeared in front of the giant skeleton remains that he had found. A small flash of diamonds appeared over the creature's skull, revealing a massive Timeshift Stone. Unlike the stones found scattered across the desert, or even the ones in Lanayru Mine, this stone was as big as a boulder. The stone hovered slowly towards the skull until it floated mere centimeters away.
A dark grin grew across Ghirahim's lips
"No way they'll escape with their lives this time."
With a snap of his fingers, the Timeshift Stone lodged itself to where the eye socket would be. The stone glowed into a blue hue. Dark clouds began forming as the stone's effects covered the skeleton. Ghirahim stood with pride, watching his handiwork come to life. Now the show can truly begin.
Ghirahim turns his head to the Sandship just several miles away.
"Let's see you try to get out this one, Sky Children."
The quartet shoved the key into the door of the control room. The room inside had a large machine connected by large pipes in the center. Aside from some humming echoing off the walls, it was quiet.
"So this is the control room, huh. Not what I was expecting," Link glances around.
"What were you expecting?" Karane asks curiously
"I don't know. I just thought it would be bigger."
"Can we just find the flame already?' Fledge insisted urgently.
"Still worried about something coming out to kill us?" Pipit commented.
"Given past experiences, I should be rightfully cautious.
"Fledge, I already told you there's nothing to worry about-" The lights in the control room suddenly cut out.
"What was that?" Pipit wondered.
"There's something here…" Karane observed cautiously.
The room started to shake violently. Parts of the wooden floor shifted up. Giant purple tentacles erupted from below. They were long, as wide as each member of the group. The purple tentacles slithered back down before the room started tilting.
Fledge gave a glare Link. "Nothing to worry about, eh?!"
"Just shut up and run!"
The quartet dashed out of the control room and turned to the hallway leading the way out. But the purple tentacles erupted from the walls blocking the way out. Each one of the students tried to slice through the tentacles, but it bounced them back. Not even the Goddess Sword could cut through them. After several attempts of Link trying to cut the tentacles, Fi exited the sword.
"A report, Masters. Judging by their size, these tentacles belong to a monster of considerable size. The current situation is difficult to accurately determine, but signs indicate that this ship is under attack. If we do nothing, there is an 80% chance the ship will capsize. I recommend forcing it back with sacred power, then exiting to further assess the current situation."
Link activated his Skyward Strike to slice through the tentacles after Fi returned to the sword. The group ran through the hallway to the first set of stars leading the exit. The ship tilted to the side, nearly causing some students to slip. The steep incline made it difficult for them to traverse the next corridor. They all had to grab sections to keep themselves from falling down below.
"I knew something like this would happen. I knew it would," Fledge ranted. "But NNNOOOO! Nobody listens to poor ol' Fledge like usual."
"I get it! You were right, Fledge, but let's focus on getting out of this alive first. Then you gloat all you want!" Link shouted back.
The group eventually exited the corridor. The ship's interior tilted down, giving enough stable ground for the group to move. Karane ran ahead to the open space. One of the tentacles burst just at her side. She instinctively activated Nayru's Grace, moving the crystal barrier in a way that sliced the tentacle off. Another tentacle burst in front of her, not close enough to grab her, fortunately. Pipit suddenly recalled when he awoke his wind magic in the same manner he did to take down Koloktos. He moved his arm in a slice motion, blowing a gust of air that sliced off tentacles.
"Good to know our powers can be used against that thing," Karane commented.
"Hopefully, it'll be enough to take down whatever is attacking us," Pipit added.
The inside shakes violently again. Sounds of rushing water echo. Water flooded into the room and was already up to their calves.
"C'mon! Where not out of the clouds yet!" Link shouted.
"Way ahead of you!" Fledge ran ahead as the water rose to their knees.
The group reached the final set of stairs leading them back to the deck. The water had filled up the rooms below. There was no way out down. The only exit was through the door leading to the deck.
"Warning, Masters," Fi addressed in a cautious tone. "I sense an evil presence on the other side of this door. There is a 90% chance it is the primary body mass of the creature whose tentacles are destroying this ship. I suggest making all necessary preparations before exiting outside the ship."
Fi retreated into the sword, leaving the quartet. All four knight students glanced at each other nervously, not knowing what could lie waiting for them just beyond that door. Despite that, they all march outside with determination to face the mysterious creature head-on.
Rain poured down on them as the knight's students searched for their assailant. The ship seemed to have split in half, yet it miraculously stayed afloat. Aside from the pounding rainfall, it was quiet. Too quiet. The boat started shaking. The giant purple tentacles appeared from below, surrounding the students. The quartet armed themselves with their weapons, ready for the tentacles to attack them. Instead, the tentacles went back down. A large splash occurred in front of the damaged ship. The creature finally revealed itself.
This monster was more enormous than Scaldera, Moldarach, and Koloktos combined. Its head was round like a ball, with fins on both ends. Many tentacles surround its body. Two were longer and thicker than the rest, with the edges being thin and long enough to grab the students. If they had to guess, those serve as the monster's primary arms. The center of the creature's head had a gigantic red eyeball. It roared as it started down at the four tiny humans.
Needless to say, this creature was terrifyingly ginormous.
"Holy crap, that thing is huge..." Fledge squeaked out.
"We're going to need a bigger boat," Link muttered.
The monster dove back under the waters. Tentacles broke through the ship, trying to grab one of the students, all of which were doing their best to dodge.
"Watch out for those tentacles!" Pipit instructed loudly.
"Just what the hell is that, Fi?" Link shouted as he dodged the tentacles.
"This is Tentalus. This Abyssal Leviathan is said to have been a tyrant of the ancient seas. As you know, its enormous tentacles can be repelled with sacred power, but they will regenerate after a short time."
"How is this thing alive?" Karane questioned.
"I sense a presence of magic. I detect a great source of it coming from within Tentalus' eye. I theorize that the creature's eye is its weak point. The probability that Master Link can actually hit the eye with a Skyward Strike is approximately 0%. Instead, I recommend utilizing long-range weapons."
"Could the bow help?" Link asked.
"I calculate a 95% success rate if you use it to shoot Tentalus's eye. I recommend shooting arrows immediately after dodging attacks launched by Tentalus."
"Got it."
Link dodged another one of the tentacles. Pipit & Karane were faring well against the assault of tentacles, thanks to their divine powers. Fledge, on the other hand, needed help to have such luck. Link remembered that he was the only one without magic or divine power protecting him. A tentacle went straight down toward Fledge. Link tackled the young boy out of the way.
"Thanks, Link!" Link helped Fledge back up. "I wish I could help you, but my sword can't through these tentacles. I'm basically useless."
It was then Link got a little idea. Link pulled out the Bow.
"How's your archery, Fledge?"
"Decent enough, I think. Why?"
Link handed the Bow to Fledge. "When that thing comes back up, You need to shoot its eye."
"ME?!" Fledge exclaimed in shock. "Why me?!"
"The rest have ways to fight against that monster. Which means we can better defend you."
"B-b-b-but I-." Fledge's stuttering was cut off when Link grabbed his shoulder.
"I believe in you. You can do it."
Hearing Link's words were enough to accept what he had to do.
After several minutes of slicing down the tentacles, Tentalus revealed himself again, soothing his freshly cut-off tentacles slowly growing back. Tentalus' big red eye was exposed.
"Take the shot, Fledge!" Link commanded the boy.
Fledge readied himself with the Bow. The string of the Bow pulled back, his arms shaking from trying to hold the arrow in place. It was now or never. Fledge's grip on the string released. Tentalus let out a pain-filled cry as his head fell on the remains of the ship in a daze.
"You got him!" Karane praised Fledge.
"Nice shot!" Pipit praised as well.
Link ran over to Tentalus, laying on an all-out assault on the monster's lone eye until it jerked back up. Tentalus once again ducks underneath the ship, all of his tentacles regrown, just like before tentacles erupted from below. Everyone used whatever they had to slice them down, except for Fledge, who stayed close to Link for protection. So far, the plan is to slice down enough tentacles for Tentalus to reemerge from the water so that his tentacles can heal. Then Fledge would take the shot into the creature's eye for Link to layout another assault on the giant eye until Tentalus regained his strength to submerge himself under the water for the second time.
The onslaught of tentacles started again, only for them to get sliced down. When Tentalus appeared out of the water, rather than tend to his tentacles, he used his primary arms to try to slam down on the remains of the deck. The arms moved slowly, giving enough time for the humans to move out of the way. Again, Fledge took a shot to the eye, allowing Link to attack. When Tentalus gained the strength to pull back, he did not go back underwater.
Tentalus began slamming his arms on the deck at a fast speed. It was enough for the remains of the deck to jerk around. The knight students lost their balance but stayed on the deck. Karane did her best not to fall off. That was put to an end when Tentalus slammed the deck hard enough to dip sideways. Karane slid to the side of the ship. The female senior knight managed to grab the edge. Something then caught a whole of her when she was about to climb back over. Suddenly she found her view looking at the decks of the ship. Her three friends looked at her with horrified expressions. Karane's body was wrapped in a purple substance similar to the tentacles.
Tentalus has Karane in his grasp.
"It has Karane!" Fledge's horror-filled voice reached her ears.
Karane struggles to release herself from Tentalus' grip. All she did manage to free was one of her arms.
"WHAT IS WITH THE MONSTERS IN THIS REGION OBSESSION WITH GRABBING ME!" Karane bellowed as she used her free hand to repeatedly smack the tentacle.
"We'll get you down! Just hang tight!" Link shouted back. "Wait, sorry! Poor choice of words!
"Ya think!" Karane bellowed back with sarcasm.
Tentalus used its other arm to slam down on the ship for several minutes. Then it appeared that he was getting tired out. Fledge readied himself to shoot at Tentalus' eye. Right before he released the arrow, Tentalus moved his arm holding Karane in front of his eye.
"I can't get a clear shot!" Fledge announced.
"That thing is using Karane to block his eye!" Link concluded.
Pipit clenched his fist when Link made that revelation. How dare that monster use her as a living shield?! Damning whatever consequences may occur to him, he would free her whatever it took.
"I'll get her free!"
"Pipit, wait!" Link reached out for his honorary brother as the yellow-clad Senior Knight ran toward the creature.
"I'm coming, Karane!"
Pipit ran to the edge of the deck. Using wind magic, he launched himself into the air aiming toward where Karane was. Karane reached out her free arm for Pipit to grab onto. Pipit flew closer and closer. His hands are about to grab hers. Then, just as Pipit's hands were mere inches from holding Karane's, Tentalus' other arm smacked Pipit away almost like a fly. Pipit was flung a reasonable distance from the ship, landing in the water.
Link and Fledge stood petrified when they watch Pipit get smacked away. Karane screamed out for his name, her arm reaching to him. She scanned around the water for any sign of Pipit, but she couldn't find him. Tentalus glared down at the occupants of the ship. The tentacles all rose above the water. Mouths with sharp teeth revealed themselves on the ends of every one of them, eyeing both Link and Fledge. Tentalus emitted a sound, almost as if he was laughing, enjoying the misery he gave Karane and her friends.
A rage built inside of the young woman. Hatred is all she could feel for this creature that would dare harm her friends, especially the man she loved! Her free hand clenched in a fist, shaking with pure and complete fury. No one noticed a section of water in front of Tentalus moving erratically. Something within the young woman was clawing into her as if it was trying to break free. Acting on instinct, Karane threw a punch in the air toward Tentalus, letting out an angry-filled shout. The tentacles with teeth aiming at Link & Fledge seized their assault as Tentalus was hit by an unseen force. It was strong enough for the monster to release his grip on Karane.
The woman landed back on the deck. On her knees, she could see a large column of water formed above the ship in the shape of a fist as Tentalus massaged its eye from the pain he had just felt. Something managed to hit him there. Karane noticed that her hand was still forming into a fist. Unclenching it, the water fell back into the sea. Karane felt a solid connection to the water. Vibration felt against her hip.
The symbol of Nayru glowed brightly.
"Did...Did I just…?"
"You did indeed, Karane Bellamy." Nayru's voice echoed in Karane's head. "The full potential of Nayru's Grace is now fully awakened. You now can manipulate the water to however you desire."
Karane took the next several seconds to take in this knowledge revealed by Nayru. The energy of her newly awakened power flowed within her. Her gaze goes back to Tentalus.
"Now, use your newfound power to bring forth the consequences of this monstrosity that dares to lay hands upon you and your friends and end it once and for all."
"I will, Nayru…."
"Karane!" Link ran over to her side.
"I can't see Pipit anywhere!" Fledge darted his eyes at the water as he followed behind Link.
"Pipit's tough. He'll be fine, I'm sure," Link looked back to Karane. "Are you…alright? What just happened?"
Karane lifts her head. Tentalus was still soothing his eye, now dropping out what she guessed was his blood. No sympathy was given from her, only hatred. That monster deserves far, much worse for hurting Pipit. Looking at the water around the ship and Tentalus, Karane knew what to do.
"Just awaken my full potential," Karane answered almost casually as she stood up. Then she started walking forward.
"What are you doing?" Fledge watches Karane walk with a quizzical expression.
"I think it's time that this battle hits the climax. You two stay put. When I get a hold of that monster, you both do your thing."
"You know what you're doing?" Link asked her.
"Very much."
Karane walked to the edge of the deck. She closed her eyes, sucking in a deep breath. Both of her arms were lifted to the side. Tentalus stopped soothing his bleeding eye to see what was happening. Two water columns slowly arose, one on each side of the monster. The water columns formed into a pair of giant hands as big as Tentalus himself. Karane's own hands were gestured in the same way as the water hands. Karane moved her hands, to which the giant water hands mimicked the motions of it. A connection was now fully established.
Now it was time for payback.
The giant water hands move to the monster, replicating every motion Karane's arms & hands make. Tentalus attempted to fight against them only to receive another punch to the face adding more pain. Then the giant water hands grabbed Tentalus' primary arms, holding him in place. But oh no, Karane won't simply hold him in place. She intends to hurt the monster just like he hurt Pipit.
Karane moved her balled fists apart, slowly in a pulling motion. The giant water arms did the same, though they pulled on Tentalus' arms. Tentalus let a roar of pain as the water hands were tugging hard on his arms. Both arms made a loud snap. The water arms finally pulled off both of Tentalus's arms and a loud pop emitted as it did. Tentalus roared in agony as its blood poured out of where its arms used to be.
Link & and Fledge watch the whole thing unfold with a mix of amazement & terror.
"Holy shit…" Link was in complete shock.
"Remind me to NEVER get on Karane's bad side!" Fledge added on.
The female senior knight used the moment to control the giant water hands to grab Tentalus's body. The monster tried to release himself, but Karane kept the hands-on firm hold.
"Not so fun when you're being manhandled now, is it…"
"Take the shot!" Karane commanded Link & Fledge. "I don't know how long I can hold him!"
Fledge raised the Bow and fired an arrow into Tentalus' eye. Karane cut the connection to the water hands to move out of the way as Tentalus' head landed on the deck. Link, sword in hand, ran over to the monster, giving more hard slashes at its eye. Link pierces the sword straight in the center of the giant pupil, pulling it out after several seconds. Tentalus roared out in pain for the final time while the blood poured out of his eye, and blood came out from his arm sockets. The roaring grew quiet as Tentalus's body fell into the sea, finally succumbing to his wounds. The corpse of Tentalus floated above before it eventually disappeared in purple mist. A sizeable purple stone dropped into the sea. Tentalus was no more.
The dark rainy clouds were soon cleared away, with the sky showing itself. Karane let out heavy pants, resting her hands on her knees. Pipit comes back to her mind. Karane scrambled over to the edge of the deck. She and Link & Fledge search along the water for any sign of Pipit but to no avail. They found Skipper and several crew members in their boat while the rest stayed on floating debris.
"Are you guys alright?" Skipper yelled to them.
"We are, but Pipit got knocked down, and we can't find him," Link said back to Skipper. "Have you guys seen him?"
"I'm afraid we haven't!"
"I still can't see him…." Karane shuddered. "What if he's…."
"Guys, look!" Fledge pointed in the water.
The seals Urbosa, Nabooru, Buliara, Aveil, and little Riju swam to Skipper's boat. Slouching on the back of Urbosa appeared to be Pipit. The yellow-clad senior knight didn't respond to his friend's calling his name. They most likely assumed that he was tired out. Either way, they were glad the seals got him.
"Oh, thank Hylia…." Link breathed out in relief.
"We got your friend. You folks better get that flame!" Skipper said to the group. "The flame should be on the top of the deck!"
"I'll go check on Pipit. You get that flame."
Fledge gradually moved to Skipper's boat, leaving Link & Karane on the deck. Karane kept her worried eyes on Pipit's still form. She should have been relieved to see him, but a gut feeling was practically shouting at her that something was wrong.
"Let's hurry and get the flame," Link's voice pulled Karane out of her thoughts. Reluctantly, she went with Link.
The pair made their way to the upper level of the remains of the front deck. Naryu's symbol was painted at the dead center of the platform. It glowed, as did the matching symbol on Karane's hip when they approached. The Goddess of Wisdom's Crest was engulfed in a bright glow. An altarpiece emerged from below, with the black crest of the goddess. Link hit it with a Skyward Strike turning the symbol purple.
Bright blue flames emerged from the altar, just as bright as Farore's Flame. Fi flew in between the pair and Nayru's Flame. Like before, the flames engulf the sword spirit into a blue ball of fire. The ball then flew straight up into the air and out of their sight.
"Is she going to come back down or…" Karane trailed off as her & Link's eyes were glued to the sky.
At that moment, the fireball fell at high speed, leaving Link & Karane barely enough time to jump out of the way to avoid getting hit. Fi stared at the pair as her body was surrounded by the flames. Knowing what to do, Link raised his sword, prompting Fi to push the fire on the blade. The force of the flames would've knocked Link back had Karane not braced her hands on his back. After the flames went into the sword, Link pointed it skyward. The sword glowed brightly, turning the blue-green blade into a pure white sword.
"The flames of Nayru have transformed your blade, expanding my powers. My dowsing ability can now track even more objects at a time," Fi shared with the pair.
Link & Karane examine the blade's new form. After two days, they finally obtained Nayru's Flame. Right after Link sheathed his sword, his right hand tingled. The strangle triangle symbol glowed. This time the bottom left glowed brighter. Then it vanished.
"That symbol again…Why does it keep showing up?" Karane wondered.
"I wish I knew." Link's gaze lingered on his backhand for several seconds.
"Masters, we have succeeded in finding Nayru's Flame," Fi addressed. "With the sword enhanced, we are ready to learn a new melody. I recommend that we return to the Isle of Songs as soon as-"
"LINK! KARANE! GET DOWN HERE! SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH PIPIT!" Fledge's panicked voice rang in their ears.
The pair rushed to Skipper's boat, following Fi right behind. In the middle was Pipit, the body still and eyes closed. The crew and Skipper all had worried faces. Even the seals seem to be unsettled. What alarmed Link & Karane was Fledge's frightened expression plastered on his face and hyperventilating breathing, unsure what to do.
"What's wrong with Pipit?" Link asked Fledge.
"I-he-he's not-..."Fledge stuttered.
"What's wrong with him?!" Karane said more demandingly than Link.
"He's…he's not breathing…"
Karane immediately knelt next to Pipit's body. Grabbing his wrist, she moved her fingers to feel his pulse.
"His pulse is very faint," Karane stated.
"What's up with him then?" Link question.
"My scans show that the impact of Tentalus' arm knocked out Master Pipit. Due to this, he was unable to stay afloat in the water. As a result, his respiratory system flooded with water," Fi reported.
"How? The Water Dragon Scale should've protected him!" Link argued back.
"Only if the person is conscious…." Karane uttered grimly, remembering the detail that Faron shared with her. "Faron warned Fledge and me while you were getting the sacred water."
"What do we do?!" Fledge asked in hysterics.
"I can still detect signs of life. There is a 40% chance that Master Pipit can still be saved," Fi revealed. "We must find a method to extract all the water from his system within the next few minutes, or he will be lost to us."
"How?" Link turned to Skipper. "Do you guys know?"
"I'm…I'm sorry. We don't have anything to help you," Skipper told Link somberly.
"There has to be something!" Link clutches his head.
Karane looked upon Pipit's form with glassy eyes. Her hand is on his cold, wet cheek while the other clenches onto his hand. Her heartbeat beats with anxiety. She didn't know what to do. Karane is completely helpless…Just like she was when her parents perished all those years ago. Now it would seem that history was repeating itself.
"You can save him…."
"Nayru?" Karane muttered soft enough for anyone not to hear her.
"You have the power to control the water. You can use it to remove the water from Pipit."
"So I...I can save him?"
"Yes, dear child. You couldn't have done anything to save your parents, but you can save him."
"I-I don't if I-"
"I know you can do it. But it's now or never. I can feel Pipit's spirit pulling away from this realm as we speak. He's fighting hard, but he's losing. If you don't act immediately, you will lose him forever. Pipit's fate is now in your hands."
Karane brought her gaze back to Pipit, then her hand. Can she really save him? There is only one way to know. Karane hovered her hand over Pipit's chest. It took Link several seconds to see what she was doing.
"Karane, what are you?"
"I think I can save him!"
"You can? How?" Fledge said hopefully
"Just let me focus!" Karane knew it was wrong to snap at Fledge, but she'll apologize later. Time was of the essence.
Karane hovered her hand over Pipit's chest, trying to feel something that didn't belong there. Just as she thought it was hopeless, she felt a connection. Karane moved her hand to maintain control. Now began the extraction process.
Gently, but hurriedly, Karane moved her hand from Pipit's chest area, up his neck, and then his mouth. A long water trail floated out of his mouth out of Pipit's slacked jaw. Karane used one hand to hold the water in place while the other hand continued to extract the water. Link, Fledge, Skipper, his crew, and even the seals just all stared at her in pure awe at what she was doing. Karane finally extracted the last of the water from Pipit, tossing the water back into the sea. Then everyone watched in silence, waiting for Pipit to move.
Several seconds later, Pipit's eyes darted open as he coughed.
Pipit violently coughed out the remaining water out of his mouth, crawling onto his knees as he did. Fledge was about to reach for him, only for Link to urge his friend to give Pipit space. Karane soothed the yellow-clad senior knight's back as his coughing fit continued. Pipit's coughing lasted for several seconds until it was replaced by the sounds of him desperately sucking in the air. He moved one of his hands into his view. The hand trembled with Pipit's wide eyes glued onto it, silently screaming, 'Holy shit, I'm alive.' The heavy breaths grew into gentle, normal breathing as Pipit stared off into space.
"Pipit?" Karane called out to him.
The yellow-clad slowly turns his head toward the young woman. A relieved smile grew on his lips as he hugged her. "Karane…You're okay!"
"Forget about me. Are you okay?"
"I…I think so. Did you…"
"Yeah. I did."
"...Thanks."
Karane felt very tired suddenly. A weary groan escaped her mouth as her eyes started to feel heavy. Pipit pulled back, tilting her tired chin, gazing at her with his concerned green eyes. Karane placed her palm on his cheek, gently caressing it. Seeing Pipit alive filled Karane with so much joy. Her lips moved into a tired smile. Karane did something no one expected.
Karane leaned her face close to Pipit, kissing him on the lips.
Pipit stood still in shock as he felt Karane's lips on his. He didn't kiss back, nor did he pull away. All he did was close his eyes as he continued to let Karane kiss him. Link & Fledge gave the most bewildered expressions on their faces as they awkwardly watched the pair kiss. Skipper covered the eyes of one of his crew members. And the seals seemed to have no idea what was going on.
The kiss only lasted a few seconds before Karane pulled away, gazing at Pipit's stunned face.
"I guess…you and I are even now." Karane stammered tiredly before finally succumbing to her exhaustion right in Pipit's arms.
"You did very well, Karane," Nayru stated with pride. "You used my gift well to defend and save your friends. For now, you must rest. You earned it."
Those were the final words Karane heard before finally passing out.
Only five words perfectly describe how Ghirahim was feeling other than upset.
Furious! Outraged! Sick with anger!
The Demon Lord had watched the battle between Link's group and Tentalus. The fight for once seemed to go against them, especially when Tentalus grabbed the girl and smacked the yellow one away after somehow jumping that high. How that boy managed to do that, Ghirahim couldn't figure it out, but that was the least of his concern. Ghirahim was sure this time would be the end of the line for the Sky Children.
Yet…despite the odds, they defeated Tentalus. Somehow they conjured up the ability to control the water and used it to disarm Tentalus and do away with him. Even worse for The Demon Lord, all four of the humans survived.
"How…How did those brats manage to take down Tentalus?!" Ghirahim muttered to himself angrily. "That monster was ten times the size of Scaldera and Koloktos. He should've crushed them! Eaten them, maybe! Yet they defeated him!"
Ghirahim summoned his sword, slicing a nearby boulder clean in half to vent his anger. The Demon Lord took several minutes to calm himself down. Then he started to think more clearly.
It was no doubt clear that no matter what Ghirahim threw at the humans, regardless of the size, terrain, and whatnot, they all had the resources to take them out. Yes…He needs to do this with a different approach. But how would he do this?
Ghirahim watches the humans interact. His eyes linger on the boy in yellow holding on to the girl, who seems to have fallen asleep, while Link and that boy in orange check over her. From the brief interactions Ghirahim had with them, he could tell that all four sky children were close to one another. Very…very close.
A wicked smile crept upon The Demon Lord's lips as an idea sprang into his mind. He had a good guess of where the Sky Children would go next since they were searching for something. Probably related to the strange blue fire he saw on the ship's remnants. Ghirahim had intended to head over there anyways to find clues to revive his master, the demon king, after his search here so it was not a total loss. When the Sky children arrive, he'll be waiting for them.
"Well then…You know what they say, Ghirahim. If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself..."
A cloud of diamonds surrounded The Demon Lord as he vanished from the desert.
I'm going to be honest, I don't feel 100% satisfiyed with this chapter. I feel like I could've done more but I don't know *shrugs*...Anyways I hope you guys like this chapter at least.
I somewhat redesigned Tentalus look, because lets face it, Tentalus in the game doesn't look intimidating at all (seriously he looks like he could be the son Mike Wazowski and Celia from Monsters Inc). Basically imagine him in this as a octopus/squid hybrid. I hope I made him a tad more intimidating than his game counterpart. I do hope this fic wouldn't get a rating pushed up because I what I did to Tentalus here...Also I don't really know a lot about near drowning and what not...
And another note...Hell have no fury like a scorned teenage girl, am I right? On a different note, Pipit & Karane finally confess their love...sort of. Also still looking for a beta reader!
Favs, Follows, and Reviews are appreciated!