Sacred Company
Time waved to his descendant as he left. 'Hm, weird.' He briefly rubbed his chin, 'I get the feeling that was because of me somehow…' His focus returned to the stone statue, 'No matter. I'll probably find out later.'
He walked up the steps, lightly bowing to the Goddess, 'I'm free to speak now. If you're still around.' Though, she must be considering how bright and opaque the magic around her tether had become.
"I'm always around, my love."
His ears perked. Her voice didn't echo as much as it previously did, 'Do you mean that literally or figuratively?'
Hylia's head popped around the corner of her statue, "Literally of course…for now!" She must have been twenty feet tall! She was huge! The Goddess wore a diamond circlet whose spectacular gem hung over her bangs at the bridge of her nose and a three-tier necklace holding gemstones to represent each of the Golden Goddesses. Her long golden forelocks were held together with a mesh of iridescent twine. The bands around her upper arms and decorative bangles spanning her forearms were iridescent as well. Finally, she wore a white dress with off-shoulder sleeves that trailed behind her as a golden glow radiated off her figure. She apparently preferred to be barefoot too.
Young Link staggered backwards, nearly stumbling down the stairs if she hadn't pinched his hand between her fingers to stop him. Still, he couldn't believe his eyes, 'The white fabric cutting around the corner!' "I had a feeling that was you earlier! Nobody saw you, right?"
Her long hair continued to endlessly flow behind her. She seemed a little surprised herself, "Ah…too big…" She held onto his hand as she walked in front her statue, shrinking to six and a half feet and losing her glow. Hylia tugged him up into her arms, "That's more like it. Also, no one saw me," she answered, booping his nose, "I was merely playing tricks on you."
He couldn't hide this dismay at being carried by her, "Hylia! What the?!" Time pulled at her cheek as she giggled, "Put me down! I didn't ask you to carry me!"
This only made her smile as she descended from the platform and sat them in one of the pews, setting him in her lap. She cooed at her Hero, "But you're so tiny, dearest. In fact, I find the urge to do so irresistible."
Time's face ignited as he grabbed the hand that pursued his hair. At least she didn't prevent him from scooting off to sit beside her…even if her arms followed with a sense of longing. "Then I ask that you contain whatever urges you have, Hylia! I already can't believe you're here in person!" That brought up a good point, "Actually yeah, why areyou here?"
She managed to slip past his defenses to correct a stray strand of hair, "You said you wanted to talk to me, my sweet. So here I am, listening as always." The Goddess sighed, "Though, I don't miss this. Feeling everything so intensely. Granted, for my own good of course."
Her words intrigued him, but he had many things to ask her as they continued to speak in their own tongue, "So what's this about a blood curse, Hylia? And why didn't you say anything about it when you were healing my scar?"
The Goddess fervently looked him up and down with concern in her pale blue eyes, "I saw how they carved into you, but I didn't see a curse…I'd think I know my own rituals quite well."
He frowned, "Was it because it wasn't finished then? That's what Tera's fairies told me."
She sat back, "Ahhh, that one, yes. Right, I know what you're talking about." Her head dipped one way, "Though, I must ask, did you see it on yourself while you were with me?"
"…Huh, no I didn't…" 'I would have remembered what it looked like on that form of all things.'
Her eyes drifted off as she explained, "See, that particular ritual—or curse I suppose—is meant to funnel all of the life energy from the host into me. It only works if all the written characters are complete. Hylians call it a sacrifice and I suppose fairies call it a blood curse. Normally, the Sheikah of old would choose the most devout Hylians for this. It was quite the honor to them at one time." Hylia blinked at his petrified expression, "Silly love, that was thousands of years ago!~ A little ironic too since Hylians don't possess much life force to give, not that I need it anyway. The Sheikah came up with it. Anyways, it should go without saying that it doesn't work on our kind."
He gripped his invisible pearls, "In…teres…ting. Wow. Um, moving on," The deity took a breath, "Maybe this is more personal, but why do I talk in my sleep? What am I saying?"
The Goddess chuckled as she shook her head, waving her finger, "Mm~, nice try, but I saw that one coming, dearest. It's dangerous to meddle in each other's affairs like that."
"I'm letting you, though. Besides, I get the feeling you know, beautiful Hylia."
"But you know as well. Haha! Seems I've seen through your tricks this time!" She laughed.
Time kept his sigh lighthearted, 'So that's not going anywhere. What else is there…' "Perhaps…otherwise I tried out that ability you mentioned." He cocked his head, "It's rather strange. I don't know what I would tactfully use it for."
Mentioning it was enough for Hylia to plant a tingling smooch on his forehead, "It's for those you cherish, bringing someone to peace through particular means. I might ask, what happens to Hylians? That would be a first for you."
He facepalmed, "I'm assuming I should take that last phrase literally. Anyways, it makes them believe they dreamed whatever led up to the kiss and what happens afterwards. However, I guess with a strong enough will, they can recall some of the memories." He thought back to when he tested it on the champion, "I get the feeling they only truly believe it if I confirm it for them though."
The Goddess concurred, "Very curious. Anything else?"
"Actually yeah: they get very cuddly, and very honest. Like too honest. It seems to make them fall asleep too, but I don't know what exactly causes it."
"Well, I'd have to agree that the want to become closer with you is certainly a strong effect it has. Not that I'm complaining, of course.~"
His eyebrow raised as a more pressing thought came to mind, "Hey, what was Nayru talking about earlier? And why did Farore grab my arm like that? Why did the Triforce of Courage show up?" 'Does Link not have it!? He did when I touched his hand afterward!'
Hylia shook her head, "Those are your affairs, not mine." She held his cheek, "I love that you feel you can come to me, it makes my heart flutter with joy, but unfortunately I can't help you." Her sigh was telling, "Getting cursed is very tiring, Fierce Deity. I'd rather you not join me in that."
Time's eyes narrowed, "O-Okay…I understand. Er, thanks for…reminding me." Meanwhile her words soaked in, 'You can get cursed for being nosy!? And it's for real and forever!? I guess I'll have to watch what I say if it has to do with those other three…' Speaking of which, his attention switched to the red glow now licking like a flame off his skin and clothes. Thinking about having to deal with the other's reactions made him groan.
"What's wrong, my love? I must say, I can sense that Din is enjoying her colors on you."
"Oh I'll certainly be thanking her later," He shivered at recalling some of the things she said, "Well…maybe that depends, but I'm grateful regardless. I'm just not looking forward to having to repeat myself later. Or getting questioned. I might have been too hasty…" Time stood from the pews, "I've got one last question if you don't mind."
"I'm listening." A peculiar sparkle inhabited her gaze.
He told her about the patch of grass he found, "I—I don't know what it is! I feel like something must be there! Better yet, I bet it has something to do with these mysterious shrines that are all over the place!" His head fell to one side, "Ah, if only I could show you. I'm sure you'd know what I'm feeling."
Hylia thought about it, "Mmm…a late morning stroll with my darling Hero?" She stood as well, a beaming smile donning her rosy face, "I think I'd love nothing more.~ "
Even Time's cheeks wore a tint of color at her reaction. He went back to speaking the New Hylian, "But first," he gestured to jewelry on her arms, "you probably shouldn't wear those. We can't give away who you are."
The Goddess watched them fade away, "I have to go undercover for a simple outing?"
He took her hand, kissing it, "Ah, but you know how I am. I'd rather not draw a lot of attention to us if we don't have to." Then he caught sight of her floating hair, "That reminds me: no magic, and none of our language either. I assume you can speak this one, right?"
Her eyes widened as a trying expression emerged. Moments after, her long hair drifted to the floor, in fact it fell near her ankles. The Goddess's attempt at the language was a little awkward, "Um…it's been…a while to…say the least. Though," she was gathering her bearings, "I shouldn't be too…terrible. Possibly passable."
Her foreign accent was a little pronounced, but the deity nodded, "Well, you're certainly catching on faster than I did! Are you sure you don't want to make your hair shorter? You're starting to make it float again."
Hylia's pressed lips told him no, but her tresses trailing back into the air told him a resounding yes.
"How about I braid it for you?" He asked, "Though I can imagine it would still be around your knees when I'm done…" 'I wonder if she only enjoys her long hair if she can keep it out of her way. Based on how it fades away in her domain, it must be far longer than this.'
"Oh, that's a lovely idea, thank you." But instead of crouching down, she waved her hand and watched as her hair twisted and braided itself into a more manageable length, ending at her lower back. The beautiful twine holding her forelocks had sewn itself into hair as well.
For just a moment, our Hero was taken by her beauty. "Ah, you're so pretty, Hylia.~" He swooned.
Her fair skin made her fluster quite obvious, "Hehe! You made my skin change color so fast! My face feels so warm!" Giggling with joy, she picked him up and covered the side of his face in kisses.
Time smiled, catching himself as he suddenly felt compelled to do the same. He fanned at his face, "I think you're almost there."
"Almost?"
His finger slid under the diamond hanging above the bridge of her nose, "Just the circlet. It's the last thing, I promise."
Her head faced the other away, her tone was playfully annoyed, "Hmph! I might as well go bare. No one should recognize me then, right?"
His face grew hotter than magma as he felt the flowy fabric begin to resemble the texture of skin. "I said I promise!" He exclaimed, squinting his eyes shut, "At least put me down if you're going to do that!" A moment later, her sinister chuckles drifted into his ears as a pair of lips endearingly kissed his cheek.
"Aw, I was only teasing you." Hylia's sweetness remained cheeky, "Fickle yet adorable. What a terribly wonderful combination.~"
He peeped, 'Thank goodness she's wearing clothes…' "I know, I know—and hey, don't talk like that! I'm not fickle!" He saw her circlet was gone, "Anyways, since you've clearly got the language down and mostly don't look like royalty, we can leave." 'But now I'm left to wonder if anyone had peeked in at us. That would look…so weird…'
She released him, "Are you sure you don't want my dress to change either? I can tell you're thinking about it, my sweet."
His eyes veered off, "You're not wrong, but I'm reaching the point where I feel bad for telling you what to wear. Though, if you're going to change it, consider what the people here wear."
"In that case, you take the lead."
He took her hand and walked down the aisle of pews before stepping into the noon sunlight. Time couldn't help but glance up at her face to get a glimpse of what she could be thinking…if she was thinking anything at all. As they continued toward the first set of steps, he felt his hand get squeezed as a GIGANTIC bolt of lightning struck the mountaintop behind him, making him flinch as the ground trembled, "What was that!?"
Hylia didn't seem bothered in the slightest. Instead, she lifted her skirt, peering at her foot as it rose to reveal that she had stepped on a sharp pebble, "Ow," she shoved it down the stairs, watching it bounce. Blinking to him, the Goddess stooped down, "Oh, what's the matter, my love?"
His hand was pressed against his chest as he tried to calm his pounding heart due to the adrenaline. It was easy to forget how powerful she was despite how kind she normally is. 'Dear Goddesses…I can't imagine being on her bad side. She's like a force of nature…' Sweat formed at his forehead as he caught his breath, "A-Are you okay? That was probably one of the scariest bolts of lightning I'd ever heard and seen!"
"Oh my bad, I didn't mean to scare you!" She cooed, "Also I'm fine, it's been awhile since I've last felt pain. It kind of startled me, hehe!" Focusing back on her feet, she materialized leather sandals to wear, "Besides, our bolts are about the same size. I almost expected you to be impressed."
"Er yeah…they're perfect for smiting your enemies…" They continued down the steps, his eyes briefly taking in the partial clouds, "That reminds me, do you have clouds that come and bother you when you get upset? Recently, they've been a real nuisance, but they seem to be reacting to how I feel. It's hard to get them to go away without threatening them."
She scanned the skyline, "You threaten your clouds? No wonder I'm not sensing them…Otherwise, no, my familiars aren't clouds like yours."
His mouth was agape, "They're my familiars!? I have familiars?!" 'I thought…I thought only witches had those! Much less they're clouds!? How does that work?'
Hylia nodded as if that were obvious, "Of course dear, I suspect they're up to trouble somewhere. I'm sure they'll come if you call for them, though."
He continued to contend with this new information when he watched the Goddess wave to Din's temple as they passed by. In fact, she did so to each of the temples they passed, noting, "I'm sure they all want to talk to you after you visited them today."
"R-Really?" The idea that they wanted to see him without a good reason seemed incredibly unlikely, "How come?" Time watched her shrug, giving her a look, 'Of course you're going to casually say that and then not expand on it…I suppose that could count as prying though.'
They descended into the main plaza with the fountain. All the shops had been set up and the people were bustling as usual…well only they weren't. Not exactly. His eyes narrowed at the sheer number of mystified stares that were directed straight at them. 'Shit! I completely forgot I'm glowing with Din's magic!' He felt his foot wanting to shuffle in the direction of the Goddess. It hinted at the idea of hiding behind her, seeing as she was quite tall. Nevertheless, he sighed and continued forward. 'Maybe if we just cut through, no one will talk to us…' His ears raised at the sound of Hylia's voice.
"My, this is very colorful," She commented, looking around.
Time had opened his mouth to respond when a little girl dashed their way. She playfully tugged at Hylia's skirt.
"Oh my gosh, ma'am! You must be the prettiest girl I've ever seen!" Her grin was missing a baby tooth she must have recently lost. "Oh and mister! Mommy told me someone was blessed today! That's gotta be you, right? Right?"
'Tell me why my heart is threatening to stop right now…' Through his peripherals, he could see other children who bore a similar thought already getting scolded or held at bay.
Hylia stooped to peer at the young child, "Aw, little Hylians are so adorable," she looked back to him with a pleased twinkle in her eye, "Just like you, dear.~"
Once again, before he could respond, the mother the girl mentioned had rushed over and pulled her away by the arm. "Dear Hylia!" She exclaimed, looking flustered at her daughter, "Please excuse her behavior, miss! She's still learning her manners." She shook her finger as she scolded her, "What does Mommy say about walking up to strangers?"
Recognizing she was in trouble, her eyes began to gloss over. She sniffed, "To never do it…"
Meanwhile, the Goddess had cocked her head at the mention of her name. A curious hand rose to her chin as she watched this take place, "An interesting use of my namesake…" she murmured, "They're so small too…" Still, she kindly addressed the mother once she stood, "Don't worry, little one. I take no offense."
The Hero watched with hidden astonishment as a peculiar glaze clouded over the mother's eyes. He pulled her along to the second set of steps before she could say or especially do anything else. "Miss!" He whispered, getting her attention, "I think talking to them is a bad idea!"
At first it was lost on her that she was the one being addressed, "Oh, I'm 'Miss.' I see, saying my name would be troublesome, wouldn't it?" She considered his words, "I don't really see what the issue is, my sweet, but I suppose I'll keep it in mind."
That only gave him temporary relief. He was well aware that her idea of "keeping it in mind" meant that she'll think of it at the last possible second. Time noticed more stares coming from the Great Plateau's gates. The people that once streamed in now paused in wonder. Whether it was at him or the Goddess was harder to tell with certainty. 'I really don't have a good feeling about this…'
Much to his dismay, there were guards at the foot of the stairs that weren't there that morning. Their eyes bulged out of their heads as they recognized who he was.
"Wait, th-the Hero of Time?!" One exclaimed, "You were the one who received the blessing!?" He wore a look of disbelief that was excited at the same time, "What did you ask for?"
He frowned, "Not be rude, but I'm pretty sure that's a quick way to anger the Goddesses. His hand went to his hip, "It's common knowledge to not ask what people pray for and it doesn't change if their prayers get answered."
The other guard had walked over in the middle of his sentence, bowing to Hylia, "Good afternoon miss, is there anything we can help you with?"
"Aw really? You still won't tell?" The first continued, "Was it about the Calamity?"
"What part of what I just said didn't—" He flinched as he felt the Goddess's hand become freezing cold, causing his gaze to leap to hers,
Hylia's eyes had turned icy at the mention of the Calamity. For once she sounded truly annoyed as she waved her arm at the guards. Her words snapped at the air, "Leave us be."
Just like before, their eyes glazed over as they returned back to their posts without hesitation.
They strolled to the right, heading in the direction of where his tour had originally started. Saying she was unimpressed was an understatement, "Goodness, such crass behavior from both of them. It would be a shame if—"
"Hey now," Time squeezed her hand, it had returned to a regular temperature, though the tips were still chilly to the touch, "Don't do any smiting, please. Yes, they were rude, but they also don't know who we are, remember?"
Her tone was brisk, "They knew you and didn't even bow, let alone offer their prayers."
'Oh yeah,' He thought of how she tended to conflate his two titles, "Right…down here, the Hero of Time is not the same person as Fierce Deity. In fact, I would argue no one even knows who that is—which is fine. I want it that way." Once again, Time kissed her hand, "C'mon, we're almost there." They soon stood together over the peculiar patch of grass from earlier. He put his hands on his hips as the feeling reignited within him, "Here. Right here. That's where whatever this thing is."
Hylia only smiled as she folded her hands, "Have you used your eyes to check?"
"My eyes…That's right! I nearly forgot about that!" He concentrated his power, feeling the marks begin to glow on his cheeks. A second later, he hopped back at what he perceived to be a gaping hole. It was pitch black and trailed deep into the ground, but in the center lay a floating sparkle that was identical to the one he saw at the Spring of Power. "Strange. My gut tells me this should be a physical object, not a sparkle…do you see it that way too?" 'Well, she must considering I was using her eyes last time.'
Her smile grew, "Perhaps." She sat in the grass, "I know you have more to say, go on."
"Well, regardless, we both know that these lands work in mysterious ways. I truly think, after all the time I've spent here, the answer to the sleeping shrines must be whatever this sparkle is."
Naturally, she didn't confirm nor deny any of what he said, "What will you do with how you feel?"
Time sighed as he sat beside her, placing his hand over hers. It was a simple answer, "Nothing, of course, but that's only because my gut tells me it's more wrong to do something with it." A reflective smile crept onto his lips, "After all, I've had my fair share of messing with time—carelessly mind you. If I've learned anything from my adventures, it's that interfering, significantly, is just not my place." His head leaned to one side; his expression became shameless, "Even with that said, I'm dying to know what the inside of these things look like, beautiful Hylia."
She chuckled, "Well, if it makes you feel better, I can't say I've ever seen it either. But, in any case, I'm glad we both understand as much." She leaned toward him, giggling, "See, I knew you knew." Now she looked around, taking in some of the surrounding scenery, "Is there anywhere else that you'd like to take me?"
He knew what she was doing, "I take it that this is your way of saying you don't want to leave?"
She joyfully pinched his cheek, "Ah, I suppose you're right! Hm hm~"
That reminded him of the marks on his face. It would look incredibly suspicious if he met up with the others like this. They'd wonder what happened. "Is there a way I can make these go away faster?"
"Ha, how cunning of you to ask, seeing as I turned myself mortal that one time." She breathed, interlacing her fingers with his, "You're so strange in that regard, if I'm honest. I personally love all your powers."
His head tilted one way, "But you can do anything."
Her other hand rose to her chest as she acted disgraced, "My, that's entirely not the point." Of course, this was followed up by the Goddess bringing their noses together, "However, from a different angle, I suppose there's nothing wrong with me helping you control your powers. Let's see…what did I do?" Her eyes drifted around before looking back into his, "Ah, yes. Close your eyes and imagine with me. Think of a void, my love. Not an evil one or a dangerous one, just a simple void."
Time did as she instructed, "Mine is unusually bright…" This was true. He envisioned a swirling mass of shining, silver-blue magic. It looked like a whirlpool or perhaps a potion pot after a mean stir. In fact, it felt like he was there. He heard her voice echoing from overhead.
"That's normal in your case. Those are your powers, per se." She booped her nose against his, giggling, "I'm almost curious what color they are, but don't tell me. Anyways, feed the void your powers. Watch the brightness grow."
The cool air swept by as he felt her nose leave his. He looked around this foreign yet familiar feeling environment. He sat at the edge of a cliff made from black stone…no, obsidian. Ahead of him was a vast sea of this silvery, swirling water. The sky was dark and cloudless. As the Goddess implied, this…whatever this place was…was lit primarily by his "powers." Focusing, he soon watched them materialize as drops of water floating off his face, further illuminating the atmosphere as they dripped into the sea.
"There you go, my sweet. They're gone."
"It's so vast…" His eyes fluttered open, taking a deep breath the smooth rock beneath his legs morphed back into grass. His vision had returned to normal, "Did yours ever look like a whirlpool?"
Her face gave away her hesitation, "Hm…no actually. Mine was calm, perhaps there was simple stirring here and there, but," She held up a hand, "I had sealed them completely. I didn't access them now and again like you tend to do. I suppose it's not surprising to hear when you consider it that way."
"Interesting," It was clear she didn't plan to go any further on the topic. They were back to square one, "Well…I still don't know what else there is to see. The Temple of Time was the end of the tour the others gave me."
Hylia was quick with her reply, "I could show you the other places on this plateau. That peak I struck earlier? It's actually named after me."
The Hero had to smile at how obvious it was that she didn't want to go. It was a little charming. If only it didn't guarantee more complications. "I should go catch up with my group first. They definitely think I've been gone for too long." To his surprise, her eyes lit up.
"Can I come with you? I could meet your companion."
"M-My…?" He looked away, "Um, I don't think that's a good idea. How would I explain who you are, and how you know me, and why you're interested in the Princess's knight of all people? They'd catch on to how random that is." 'Not to mention only the Sacred Realm has any idea of what you'd do to him! Much less say!'
Her brow lifted, "What does that matter? Maybe I was wandering outside the Temple of Time and wanted to tag along after you told me about this patch of grass."
He placed his other hand over her own, sounding thoughtful, "I mean this in the best way possible, but you're not very good at acting Hylian, my sweet." Time scooted closer, whispering, "I also really really really can't have more than Link knowing what I actually am. It complicates things too much. Hylians genuinely think that gods can do anything, but that's obviously not true."
This was news to her, "So you mean to tell me they hold the expectation that the gods would bend to their whims if they befriended them? What a silly assumption. Dangerous perhaps."
"I know…" He continued, "I'm not against you staying with me, but just…" he motioned to her, "…maybe not like this? I know you had a mortal body that died…I don't know if this is what it looked like…but is there anything else you can turn into?"
She pursed her lips as she thought for a moment, "Well, it won't look as strong as yours, but it is far more able." The Goddess bowed her head as she began to brightly shine, her figure shrinking smaller and smaller. When the sparkles faded, all that was left was a beautiful little bird. She took the form of a blonde dove with silver eyes, flapping onto his shoulder to perch. Hylia softly cooed, "I normally prefer to be more…threatening, but I thought this would work best."
Time grinned as he cupped her into his hands. Being able to understand her reminded him of the talking owl that had once guided his original adventure, "Aaaww! You're so cute like this! Haha, this should work fine." He let her back onto his shoulder, feeling her nuzzle her feathery cheek into his.
"I should have thought of this before!~"
'Hylia…oh my Gods…' A realization struck him from what she'd said before, 'Wait… look as strong as mine!? Oh boy…I just…I have so many questions…' He shook his head, using his eyes to find some indication of where they'd gone. After deciding it took too long, the Hero instead trusted his intuition to lead him to them, finding himself treading down the stone path that led to the East Temple Zelda had mentioned before. He wondered how active the Goddess would be as a dove, but not far into the trek she'd sat down and closed her eyes. 'I doubt she's actually sleeping…but if she is, I wonder if it takes a lot of energy to maintain a different form for her. Honestly…probably not.'
A fist rose to knock on the door when he turned his head just in time to catch Impa appearing behind him. "About time," She stated with her hands at her hips, "It's been over an hour."
His tone was easy going, "What can I say? It was an interesting temple." He bit his inner lip to keep his eye from twitching, 'Are you seriously going to act like you're coming to collect me?! What the hell!'
Her brow raised, "Right, speaking of which, the priestess requests your company."
Young Link gestured to the door behind him, "Is she not in here? Why does she want to see me?"
Impa impatiently motioned to his emblazoned self, "Hero, I know you said that this is fairly normal to you, but it is beyond rare to us. Also, what is this bird doing on your shoulder? I know you like horses, but I didn't think it'd extend to other animals."
His ear flicked, "Of course it does, except bugs…mostly." He held out his hand, "Well? I presume you're going to take me to her."
"The dove is coming too?"
"Yes, it is. I'd rather it leaves when it wants to." 'Goddesses above, if only she knew who she was talking about.' He watched her sigh before their surroundings warped into another temple, though this one had style motifs from Kakariko Village. There were dark wooden beams that were used for support and colorful orange lanterns with the Sheikah symbol painted in yellow. The Hero of Time scooped the Goddess from her perch as he respectfully bowed to the priestess.
She was an elderly Sheikah woman who was stout in every way. Her full white hair was fashioned into a complex bun that had presumably sacred pins sticking out. The robes she wore reflected her position in the church. The Triforce and other imagery of the Goddess Hylia were woven in gold thread. More notably, the woman wore sandals with incredibly tall soles! They were at least two feet tall! Naturally, she was assisted by an ancient looking cane, one that was easy to assume she'd carved herself, given the exquisite detail. She spoke slowly, though her tone was deep and wise, "Hero of Time, I am honored to make your acquaintance. Please, have a seat."
Rather than chairs, there were instead navy blue, velvet cushions that were situated into rows of three on either side, making an aisle leading to where the priestess stood. She'd motioned to the one that sat in the middle, closest to her. Impa, Zelda, and Link inhabited the ones off to either side. The air between them felt like a calm that anticipated tension.
'Strange, I can't tell if they'd been told interesting news or something else.' The corners of his mouth rose as he sat, "It's nice to meet you as well. You wanted to talk to me?"
The priestess nodded, first acknowledging the creature he brought, "Ah, what a beautiful dove you have. I'm sure you know, but it is said that doves are symbols of love and kindness, Hero."
"I'm more familiar with the take that they're symbols of peace," He explained.
Hylia cooed, laughing, "Peace you say?" She walked up his arm, "Moreso deception I should think, my love."
"Oh really? How?" Time asked, following her with his eyes.
She flapped onto his hat before stooping down, turning her head to the side so her cunning eyes aligned with his own, "Easy. Looks only carry half-truths, don't they? Indeed they do. Crows devour the eyes of the deceased, but I wonder what called them there?"
He snickered at the thought, "Of course, you make a good point. I didn't think about it that way, but what do they get in return?"
"Satisfaction, my sweet."
The red magic flared as he laughed, "That's terrible!" Time briefly shook his head before he felt her nest on it. His eyes flit back to the priestess, "Oh! My bad. I didn't mean to get distracted. Please, continue."
Her expression happened to hide some of her shock at what she'd witnessed, "You can understand the bird?"
"Not all of them," The Hero pet her head with his finger, "Just the ones who want to talk. A long time ago, there was an owl that was the same size as me if not bigger! He would tell me stories and take me down a mountain or river if I asked nicely. It even looked like he had two faces depending on which way his head turned."
Once more Hylia chimed in, "You mean Rauru? I'm sure he'll be pleased to know that was you he helped!"
She blinked at the dove's regard for conversation, "Very well then, before I get off topic, I asked to see you because it is very rare that one receives a blessing from the Goddess of Power. Tell me what happened before we all watched her grace you from above."
"I was simply trying to prove that you might have better luck if you used the Goddess's name, Din. Though, it's also worth mentioning that I can perform spells that are enchanted with their namesake, such as Din's Fire." Quiet gasps filled the room as the red aura swirled around his arm, a blazing fire emitting from the palm of his hand. It returned to flickering off his figure when he blew it out, "I addressed her by name and she answered. I already told the others this, but I doubt she'll do anything else for a while. I don't know that for sure, but it's my hunch."
"Very curious," She stroked her chin, "Do you think your title had anything to do with her answering you?"
"Hero of Time? Maybe. I didn't hear anything from her after I prayed, so…I dunno." In the next moment, he found himself catching a concentrated beam of light that shot from the large Sheikah eye on the priestess's forehead. Just as before with Urbosa's lightning, the element manifested as a controlled ball hovering above his palm.
The other three recoiled in shock in their seats.
'Phew! No markings this time either!' He nor the dove had moved an inch. The deity chuckled, "Nice try, I'll give you that. Though, I might add that you could be hurting your favor with Din."
She didn't appear phased, only calmly motioning with her cane, "Forgive me, sorcerers have not existed in these lands for thousands of years."
He wasn't enthusiastic about the label, "I wouldn't call myself that, but I think you fit the description pretty well." He watched as the light melted into a pool of harmless sparkles that dripped onto the floor. "Is there anything else you wish to know? This isn't how this normally goes, is it?"
"It isn't yes, but there are always exceptions." Her cane tapped the floor, "I'd like to see what else you can do."
Time's eyes developed a threatening shade, "I don't take orders, thank you. My abilities are none of your business. If we're done discussing the Goddess of Power, I'd rather take my leave."
The priestess's hand apologetically waved, "I see I overstepped, my apologies. I have one last question pertaining to your blessing. What will you do with it? It is a blessing of power after all."
Hylia popped up from her rest at the negative connotation her phrase carried. She sounded restless, pacing in a circle, "This Sheikah dare speak ill of the Goddess of Power?! Why I'd—"
The Hero plucked her into his arms and kissed the top of her head, explaining, "They tend to think of the one who has the Triforce of Power. They forget that Din isn't the one who decides who has it and what's done with it. It's a common mistake." Really, the kiss soothed her more than his words did, and he knew that. Switching back to the New Hylian, he answered the question, "Sorry, this one is feisty sometimes. Anyways, I'll break courtesy and tell you that my prayer was about being able to better defeat monsters that are stronger than me. I get where you're coming from, but I'm purely going to use this to kill monsters should I get the chance. Nothing more." 'Except for beating Link at arm wrestling. I hope he doesn't think I forgot about that.'
The old woman chuckled, "I'm glad that your title still describes you, Hero of Time. Now, your feathery friend, might I see it?"
He quickly shook his head as he stood with the others, "That's a bad idea. I can't tell her what to do. She'll go where she wants to."
"Speaking of which." The Goddess fluttered out of his hands and landed on Link's head. "Just why does he like you so?"
Time pretended he couldn't hear her words so he didn't make a face, "See, like that, but thanks for having us."
Link clearly didn't know what to do about this unexpected predicament. His eyes widened in disbelief as the dove used her beak to make his chin rise. "What is it doing?"
He hastily pulled his descendant out the double doors, finding there was an open room with a large set of bells hanging from the sealing. Judging by the breeze flowing from the open arch ahead of them, they were on the second, but most likely third floor of the East Temple. "Don't panic! She's just checking you out!"
"Hm…" Hylia went from his shoulder to hopping down his left arm, "Right, this one carries the Master Sword." Flapping back up the appendage, she pecked at his forelocks before smushing her head into his cheek, "Soft skin for a warrior."
Time couldn't keep himself from reacting to her, "Hey don't say it like that!" His vexed eyes stared at her as she flew back to his forearm.
The Goddess clambered up to his chest before limply leaning her head against it, exaggerating her exasperation, "This is so unsatisfying."
His cheeks burned as he mouthed the last word in astonishment. He was speechless.
"Darling must I really meet him this way? I don't have fingers. I can't ask him things."
'Dammit, do we really have to be talking about this right now!?' He scoffed before furtively striding away. Once on the other side of the bells, he continued in a hushed voice with her perched on his finger, "Nothing good would happen if it were otherwise! We talked about this!"
"All these Hylian expectations…they tire me. Are you certain I can't? I just want to know his thoughts, my sweet."
By now he could hear that the other two had joined Link after exiting, "What kind of thoughts?"
"Like how he feels serving beside you. Things of that nature."
It clicked in his mind, making him switch to his native tongue, "Are you JUDGING if he's a good enough companion or whatever the hell that means!? What the hell!?"
She gingerly pecked at his clothes, "Now now, don't yell. As I've been saying, I'm just curious."
"That does not justify anything! Besides, he's my damn descendant! Why am I the only one who appears to know that?"
Hylia cocked her head, "Ah well, maybe another time. I should've assumed you'd be protective, that makes sense." Of course she had to try one last time, "If I told you everything I was going to ask, would you let me then? Please?"
He'd already taken another breath to yell at her, now pausing as he considered her proposition. His voice softened to a normal volume, "Hmph. Maybe. It depends on what you would ask. Also why bother? Is he not just some other Hylian to you?"
"He can't be if he's your companion, my love. 'Other Hylians' so to speak don't often gain the privilege." Her demeanor became amused as she waddled back to his face, "I wonder if your familiars are jealous. Well, I don't believe so, but it would be kind of funny, no?"
"I don't know what I'd do with myself if clouds could get jealous." He could feel his once furrowed brows retreating. What could he do with his disappointment and irritation already beginning to fade? He scooped her into his hands, "Well, I suppose this is goodbye for now. Say hello to the butterflies for me." He planted a smooch on the top of her head before pitching her out of the temple into the air. He had to squint to catch her disappearing in the bright sun.
The Hero rolled his eyes at himself, 'Great. I've managed to make myself look like an idiot because I was yelling at a dove no one else can understand but me. Too many things have happened today…' When he turned back, it was unsurprising to see the other three standing together with a mix of concerned faces. His shoulders slumped, "Yeah I know, yo—"
"How do you go from yelling at this bird to kissing it and throwing it out the window?" Impa flatly asked.
"That dove possesses thicker skin than you. She's fine. Besides, we were just disagreeing about something stupid. It's beyond me why any of you care." Even then, his focus switched to his descendant, "She didn't hurt you, right?"
Link pointed to himself as if to make sure he was being spoken to, "M-Me? Um no, it—she didn't. I just had no idea what it was doing…and saying. It—She was checking me out?"
Time clawed at the air, "My sentiments exactly, ugh!" He caught himself, he knew what this looked like, "Hold on, this is not to make it seem like I was jealous. I just couldn't believe what she was saying!" He facepalmed, muttering "'Soft skin for a warrior…' I'm going to strangle her the next time I see her…" His gaze collided with the knight's. "Don't feel your damn face after I say that!"
Link's eyes widened. He'd been caught in the act.
He heaved a sigh, gathering what was left of his composure, "Ahem um…anyways, sorry I took so long at the temple. I was wondering if there were any other similarities to mine. What have you guys been up to?"
Zelda's fingers laced together, "After we returned, we were bombarded with plenty of questions about what had happened with the Goddess of Power. I can only imagine their faces if you walked down with us." Her eyebrows briefly rose as her research-brain clicked on, "Oh! Were you able to control it just then? When you called fire into your hand?"
"I'm not sure—or…what I mean to say is that it didn't feel like I was controlling it." He smirked, "I wonder if Din would pay me any mind if I asked her how long this is supposed to last." His toe tapped the floor, "I kind of doubt it to be honest." Impa had something she wanted to say but was cut off by the growl of his stomach. They continued their conversation on the first floor of the Eastern Temple where he was served a light fish broth with rice and local steamed trout. Very tasty!
"Right," the Sheikah's arms had crossed, "I think you're the only person I know who speaks of the Gods like you have any idea of what they're like. I'm not attacking you; you just seem too sure to have 'just a hunch' if you get what I mean."
Food in his stomach made him more open-minded to her introspective questioning, "Huh, I guess to me it's kind of easy to assume things about their nature based on my own experiences from my adventures." He looked to Link, "Remember that yellow fox mask I wore when I first got here? I summoned a three-tailed fox god with it a few times in a different land." His eyes drifted off as he recalled the slinking creature, "He's very…sly to say the least. He only spoke in questions and, believe me, there was only one right answer. Tricky thing." The others stared at him in shock, "Anyways, I don't use him as a basis for everything, but my point is that if you think of gods and goddesses like birds or animals that are easy to run off or annoy, I bet you're not far off. Actually, I would think the Great Fairies set a good example too."
Zelda had finished rapidly scrawling down everything he said, likely among other things she'd witnessed thus far as well, "There's a fox god? Do you think you could summon him again?"
The Hero shrugged, "I don't think he exists here, Princess. Like I said, different land."
"Well what was it called?" Impa asked.
His gaze trailed into his lap as the passing seconds began to prominently tick in his ears; his personal reminder of that part of his life, "I don't wanna talk about it…it's pretty depressing."
The sudden shift in his mood was a big enough indicator to have them drop the subject. Soon after, Impa reminded Zelda about the ancient sites they'd come to visit and they were waving to the Hero and knight as they walked off. Time could tell there was something making his descendant's mental gears turn, but this wasn't the place or time to pry. Maybe later if he remembered. He thought back to when they were on the third floor, "Oh hey, I realized I caught you off guard asking about the dove earlier." His face was bashful, "Sorry about that! Though I guess it's good to remind them of what your voice sounds like every once in a while."
The champion was dumbfounded, "How do you say sorry and then go on to make such a sarcastic comment!?" He rolled his eyes, shaking his head, "Otherwise, it's fine. You kinda surprised me though. I know you were concerned, but it honestly came out like a command! Besides, I've had worse things get after me than a talking dove."
Time shook his head, 'He just doesn't understand the implications of an animal being able to talk does he? More often than not it means they're capable of higher thought, meaning they could plan to attack you with their friends…plan anything if I'm honest.' "I can certainly believe that haha."
Now he was curious, "Hey speaking of which, did it say why it was checking me out? I kind of feel entitled to know. That skin comment hasn't left my head. Also, why does it make you so mad?" He chuckled.
Bringing it back up made the corners of his mouth dip into a frown, "I'm not gonna let a bird talk about you like an object, Link. You're not some duck or rooster that's up for auction. There's more to you than your dumb skin or the fact that you can fight." Just recalling the things the Goddess said made his ears red. 'Ugh! And then she calls me protective which makes sense somehow! Damn it Hylia! I wish you weren't so damn weird about him!'
A wily smirk dawned on Link's face, "Aw, I'm glad you think of me that way, but judging by your ears and the faces you're making, clearly the dove said more."
Pointing it out made his cheeks hot, "Don't look at me with that stupid sparkle in your eye! Beyond the bells, whatever was said between us is not your concern." His eyes narrowed as he watched the champion rest his cheek in his hand and lean over the table toward him. 'What the hell is this!? As if he really thinks he can persuade me!' There was only one way to respond.
Young Link cooly set his arm on the table with his forearm raised. A challenging fire burned in the depths of his eyes. His descendant should know full well what was coming next.
"Aha." A mischievous glint shined in his irises, "Sure, I'll arm wrestle you for the information." He assumed the position as well.
They didn't have to count off when to begin, for not a moment after their hands collided, all it took was their gaze clashing to start the match. The Hero knew by this point that Link must have caught on to his tactic of tricking his opponents into thinking they have the upper hand. In fact, he could tell the champion was trying to bait him into thinking the same by how he hilariously lacked any strength behind his arm.
'Ha, better yet, I know he knows he's going to lose. For him this is about how he loses, cheeky bastard.' He thought about ways he could make it interesting, but it required his descendant to actually try to beat him, and after ten or so seconds, it became clear he had no intent to do so. "Liiiiink, why are you not even trying? You can't play my own tricks on me. It doesn't work like that."
"I can't pretend to make you think that's what I'm doing?"
His tone was flat, "Link shut it. You know you're going to lose, so now you're doing everything in your power to make it as unsatisfying as possible."
He laughed. "Hey, don't read my mind like that!"
Smack.
Time instantly pinned his descendant's forearm to the table, cracking a smile to hint at his amusement. It evolved into a giggle once he looked at Link's unimpressed face.
"I guess I saw that coming." His cheek was back to resting in his palm, "I think I'm just more surprised at how serious you are about keeping the dove's words to yourself."
"Don't sound so mopey about it. I think I have a good reason to considering how she told me that doves call crows to come eat the eyes out of the dead."
He sat up straighter, "They what."
"See, that's what I thought!" He stood from his chair, pulling at the champion's hand, "C'mon, there's something else I wanna do with you."
His proposition seemed to make his previous concerns disappear, "Oh really? What is it?"
"You'll see." They strolled side by side as they left the Eastern Temple and retraced the path to the main plaza containing the different shops. Link nudged him as they came across the same area from before.
"Oh hey, you're not all excited about the grass over there. Did you find what you were looking for?" He thoughtfully asked.
Time sighed, "No, I didn't. I'm proud that you already knew I came back here, though." His head drifted to one side as he crossed his arms, "It's very mysterious. When I returned, I didn't get the feeling anymore at all."
The champion's eyes widened, "Really? Does that mean it can move around maybe?"
"I'm not sure, but I suppose about anything is possible. For all I know, it could be some terrible spirit luring me into getting eaten by the earth and sucked into a big cave or tomb."
"Dear Hylia, I can't imagine what living in 'your time' must have been like. If things like that really existed, how the heck were people not dying all the time?" He was genuinely curious.
"Actually it isn't much different than it is here. People clump together to make villages and towns, however they rarely leave unless they need to travel for business, and going anywhere at night was certainly asking for death or worse. I guess my point is there were far less travelers. Even though that one lady happened to be Yiga when we were leaving your hometown, we would be more likely to come across her corpse. In my time, if you traveled to different lands, you were either strong and skilled or lucky to be alive." A finger rose, "But, if there is one thing for certain, you never ever traveled into any forest for any reason. Why? More often than not they were considered sacred grounds where only those with fairies could walk. If you didn't have a fairy, or some other guide that didn't plan on making you into dinner, you would become cursed to aimlessly wander in the forest until you died and became a walking skeleton." His eyes shifted to the ground, "Children would become skull kids."
"That sounds insane!" Link exclaimed, "This land must seem far safer in that sense, right?"
"Well, if it weren't for the Yiga wanting to kill me at every turn, I'd probably say yes. Though, you guys have some far bigger monsters that simply exist out in the world. Whereas for me, something like that Hinox would have been chained down in a dungeon for making a god angry, and instead would become another test for me to overcome." They continued walking toward the steps.
"You make it sound like these 'tests' were pretty common…or that you knew you were expected to overcome things like that." The champion's gaze trudged to his right hand, "I can't say I feel the same."
"Isn't it kinda silly to assume things would go the same way?"
"But you told me back in the desert that the shrines were—"
His hands went to his hips, "I know, but until we find one that lets us in, we won't know that for sure, will we?" A knowing smile emerged as Link looked off. He knew he couldn't argue with that. Time playfully snatched his hand, freezing in horror the next moment he realized the back of it was centimeters away from his lips.
Link's surprised stare flipped between his captured hand and the Hero's mouth.
'Ack! There is no way Din's magic just flared right now!'
He dropped it. Does "awkward" truly describe the pathetic breaths of laughter that followed? The deity had done it again, mixing customs that clash. "I didn't—um, that wasn't what it…looked like." His face felt like it was centimeters away from being engulfed in lava.
Link appeared just as speechless, though his eyes denoted a vague sense of understanding as he whispered, "That other side of you?"
His ears angled to the ground as he dragged the answer out of himself, "Yes. " He puffed out a sigh, "Just pretend that didn't happen, please. We're almost there." 'I think the worst part of this is being able to hear his heart speed up right as I did that…these damn manners and formalities are going to kill me at some point.' His self-loathing was cut short when he caught sight of the guards from before. He did a double take, 'Their eyes are still glazed over?' It seemed Hylia's orders were still in effect. They didn't even look at them as they passed by.
Speaking of which, the event from earlier must have drawn more people to the Great Plateau. 'Dear Goddesses! There are way more eyes on me now than last time!' It irked him. It irked him more because he could tell most of them teetered on either continuing to stare in awe or running up to him to ask questions. "Whatever should they do? Whatever can he do?" Was likely their thought process. He innately sided closer to his descendant, 'Geez, I need to find a way to get this magic to calm down. My stupidity from before is making this worse!'
Despite this, he continued showing Link to the game stand he saw earlier. It felt a little out of place to appear ecstatic, but he tried not to care, "Da na na na!~ I thought it'd be fun to challenge you to this game! Just a few rounds of course!"
The thick eyebrows on the vendor could have ascended to the Heavens, instead they made his forehead wrinkle into his bald head, "The Blessed One and the champion want to play my game?! Hallelujah!"
"Eh?" Time's head pivoted at the name, "I'm the Hero of Time, not whatever 'blessed-thing' you just said." He ignored Link's tempted expression in his peripherals.
"It's appropriate considering the circumstances, no? That's what I've been hearing the others say lately."
"Right…er how much is it to play?" 'That name better not catch on.'
"Just ten rupees per player!" He chimed, offering a hand.
'That's right! I finally have money again!' The Hero had found his wallet among other things in Twilight's saddle bags when he was retrieved from the desert. He took a red rupee from his wallet and handed it to the vendor.
"How do we play?" Link softly asked.
"Easy!" They were each tossed a slingshot as a box of pellets were sat in between them, "Fire as many shots into the targets as possible! Each hit is worth one point! But! Seeing as you're both older, you lose five points if you break them, so watch your strength! Normally, this is played by one person and I would set a goal for you to reach in order to get a prize. However, since you're playing together, whoever gets the most points wins. Fair and simple, ay? You've got until the music box runs out of music!"
The champion kept himself composed, but the Hero donned an excited smile, 'It must have been years since I've been able to play a game like this!' In their first round, Time quickly beat out Link since it took until the third target for him to realize that he can shoot multiple pellets into the same one without breaking it. By their second, it was more evenly matched. "I'm impressed," He complimented.
Link was having none of it, "I've got to get you back somehow! Down by thirty points! That's ridiculous!" He'd won 64-63 that time. "Haha! Yes!"
But Young Link had already tossed the vendor another twenty. "Careful there, the sweet aftertaste can get bitter," He taunted with a twinkle in his eye.
"You're on!"
The competitive air between them grew electric as the upbeat music started up again. Right off the bat, they both honed their focus and rapidly shot the first ten or so pellets into the first target. This raised a curious question, 'I wonder how often he can do that? I know it's not for very long, but still, it's definitely one of his more impressive abilities.' Throughout the match, he only did it when Link would, counting at most five or six seconds after he did it third time. Yet, the music was coming to an end…however the Hero always had a plan.
At the last second, time began to slow. He not only aimed five pellets at the last two targets, but also lined up four other pellets to break Link's. His smile was devilish as he watched his score rise by ten and Link's by zero. He laughed as his shoulders were grabbed and he was shaken around.
"You shot down my own ammo!?" Link exclaimed, red in the face, "If that wasn't so cool, I'd be mad at you dammit!"
Even the vendor was shocked. "Dear Hylia! I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that before! That was amazing!" While they never broke any of the targets, the paint had become quite chipped. He made his money, but at what cost?
"Haha thanks! I used to love games like this!" He mused, letting the shaking continue.
"So that explains it! You've done this sort of thing before, and not just once either!" He'd never seen him so aggressively invigorated, "You better teach me how to do that!" Were those stars in his eyes?
'No I think the shaking is getting to me.' "Waah, alright, okay!" Time took a wobbly step out of his grasp, "I don't think everything should blur when my eyes move." Seeing as they were done, he pulled his descendant away from the plaza, "Well, I'd like to see if there's anywhere else I can go before the sun sets."
"Oh okay, are we going together or?"
He waved his hands, "Nah, I'll let you go do your own thing."
Link smiled, "I guess this is where I tell you that if I'm not with you, 'my own thing' is being with Zelda, remember?"
'Oh right…' "Wait," his brows came together, "Don't tell me you're contracted to be both of our babysitters!"
The champion pat his head, "Haha, maybe in your dreams, but no, just remember that I can't exactly do anything I want. I'm Zelda's bodyguard or your plus one, I suppose. Anything the two of you do is official business and I kind of just…facilitate that business."
His eyes squinted, "Fuh…sil-ih-tate? Huh?" 'Why is he petting me more!?'
"Aaw!" He chuckled. "I don't care if you hate me for saying it, but it's still so charming when you don't know a word. Facilitate means to make something happen smoothly or without trouble."
Time hummed his understanding along with a nod. His voice sounded thoughtful with a zing of sass, "I hate you for saying that, but thanks for telling me. Though, back to what you were saying, when you put it like that none of my 'business' is really all that official is it?" He took Link's hand from his head and bent all of his fingers but one to make it point to the right of the Temple of Time, "My intuition tells me that Zelda probably went somewhere past there. I saw a couple other paths from earlier, but I don't know where they lead."
"I'm glad we share a similar thought process; I was thinking the same thing." His hand was glowing once again, "Why does this happen again? I feel like Impa will ask me about it since she saw it happen in the Temple of Courage."
Time lowered it and looked at the Triforce of Courage hovering above his leather glove, "My simple explanation is since it was once in my left hand and is now in your right, it shines because it recognizes me or something. I dunno, our hands touching is as literal as it gets. Otherwise, I'm actually curious of the real reason myself. I just don't have any ideas at the moment."
"Again, I'm glad we thought the same thing. Though, it doesn't do any of that pricking or burning or shining in general like it did with you." Whatever he was thinking cast a shadow over his light blue eyes.
"I'm happy to hear it honestly." 'I knew that would surprise you.' "It's not pleasant and I'd rather you not get bothered with people constantly reminding you that you have it, let alone your own hand doing it." He shrugged, "It's not the trophy or honor others might think it is."
"Interesting. Also, I can tell you really dislike all the attention that's coming from this," Link waved his hand over the red aura that continued to lick at the air, "Kinda funny it reacts to how you feel too."
"Believe me, I'm quite frankly regretting it. If I knew this would happen exactly as it did, I wouldn't have been so hasty to prove Impa wrong." Time's gaze flit to Din's temple, "I think I'll go ask the Goddess of Power how long this will last." His hands ran down his face, "Pray for me that nothing similar happens…and if it does, just come kill me, okay?"
"Well since we're going walking in the same direction, we might as well go together, right?" His hand went to his hip, "And I'm not making any promises."
"Fine by me, except that last part." They had started up the steps together when Time decided he couldn't stand the eyes watching him for much longer, even if it was better with his descendant around. He scoffed before taking Link by the arm and zipping to the entrance of the Temple of Power.
The champion was winded, "Whoa! You just—" He glanced around, "Wow that's fast! Sorry," he caught his breath, "it's just the last time you did that was in Kakariko. Even then I could hardly believe it happened!" After peering at his ancestor's irritated expression, he understood what was going on, "Ah, I see. Well thanks for the shortcut! I'll see you later."
"No problem, and you too." A small smile accompanied his goodbye before he strolled into Din's temple, hopping up to her statue. 'Din, are you there? I have a question if you don't mind.' Her sassy voice filled his head and made the magic surrounding him flare.
Of course! Might I make this a little easier and come see you?
'Every part of me is saying this isn't a good idea…' 'Um, sure, but no grand entrances or anything, okay? I don't need people running up here to come see us. I'd like to keep this private.' He took a few steps back as her statue began to glow red before she stepped out of it. His eyes widened, 'Do they all prefer to be so tall!?'
The Goddess of Power proudly wore her feisty, all-empowering demeanor. She had sun-kissed skin, and ruby-red hair that split into bangs that must have been maintained by magic, complete with a thick, long ponytail extending from the golden bangle that held it. Her style reminded him a lot of the Gerudo, but if they somehow showed even more skin. This was because the clothing she did wear was often sheer. She was adorned in jewelry but wore the Spiritual Stone of Fire in a decorative gauntlet on her right forearm. Her eyes were golden like Farore's along with her lips and eyelashes. Red magic flowed from her fingers as well.
Her excitement showed with a beaming smile until her eyes met his and she suddenly staggered backwards, "O-Oh wow!" She flinched at her own words echoing off the stone walls, "Uh, what I meant to say is I didn't expect you to look like this!" After gazing him up and down a little longer, her cheeky grin reappeared, "Hm hm~ maybe I can see where Hylia is coming from, as unbecoming as this may be. I thought you felt a little off earlier."
Time automatically took her hand and kissed it, "This just makes things a little easier on myself while I'm around the others."
"I might disagree there, Fierce Deity. I don't understand how sealing your powers makes anything easier for you." Her sauntering posture straightened, "Oh right, what's your question, firefly?"
"Well, I'm not fond of the attention this got me from the Hylians," He frankly stated, his weight shifting to one side, "I'm not asking you to remove it, but how long is this going to last? A few days maybe?"
Din's brow raised in confusion, "Well it's a gift from me to you." Her finger traced his jaw to his chin, "After all, I must admit your words from earlier leave me wanting your company.~ You can just absorb it whenever you feel the need to. It's not as if it's a lot."
"Ah okay, right." Though, a questioning smile arose at the notion she wanted to spend time with him, "Do you really mean that though? Wanting my company? I guess it's hard to imagine my words had such an effect on you."
Her hand went to her chest, aghast, "Of course I mean it!" Din's cheeks began to emit small sparks, perhaps that was her way of blushing, "You trickster of a god! I've told you how your teasing only spurs me further!" She sassily turned away as if playing hard to get, her long ponytail whipping the air in the process, "Of course one of the first things you do upon returning is fill me with such spark!"
Now his own face was turning red! 'Oh help…what did I just do…'
She wasn't done. The pupils in her fierce eyes morphed into dark slits when she stared back at him, "You know I make good on my promises, Fierce Deity, and I told you last time I wouldn't let you get away with this!" A short flame sprouted across her cheeks as the last word reverberated around the room.
His eyes narrowed, 'Wait, she's not mad, she's—WHAT!?'
Din's tongue eagerly ran over her teeth as she snaked over to him. Their surroundings had already devolved into the interior of a geometric basalt cave. The stagnant air changed into a cool breeze and the stone floor became damp gravel. As soon as her hand touched his, they were transported entirely elsewhere. This time, a toasty dwelling that appeared to be her room. All of the extravagant furniture aside, it could easily be mistaken as an altar to herself…or maybe that was the impression the goblets of fire decorating the walls gave. They provided enough light to keep the room dimly lit.
Golden lips pressing against his reminded the fierce god of what she was talking about. Beyond his ethereal sense returning, he could just vaguely, if not barely make out a distant conversation that ended in her playfully threatening him. He snickered, shifting into his true form, "I'll have to give you that, Din. You got me fair and square, though I'd nearly forgotten if I'm honest." They both sat at the edge of a four-poster bed that lacked a headboard, in fact it was simply a large square with different throw pillows strewn about. The Goddess of Power was beside him with her legs crossed and lips pursed. Despite her aggressive pretense, the air between them was mutual at best. Time lightly kissed her cheek.
Initially looking away with feigned annoyance, her golden eyes were ablaze as they now pierced through his own, "Oh? Is that so?" She easily had him pinned to the mattress before he could blink. The gleam in her eye hungrily stared him down, "Then I'll make sure you won't forget this anytime soon."