Chapter 33

Brad was in a panic as he fell and he trying to find something solid to grab a hold of, but he couldn't find anything. He was almost certain he was going to die. He thought about his friends Link and Charlie. He was never going to see them again. He started to think about his clan the Kokiri. He hoped the kokiri clan would do alright with Fado in charge. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by a bright blue light. It quickly got brighter and surrounded him. In the well, he could just make out the shape of something small with wings beside him. The blue light was being created by the shape. Suddenly, Brad hit the ground with a Thud! The impact of the fall knocked him off his feet. He got up and looked at himself in confusion. Everything was fine. He had no cuts or broken bones! How did he survive the fall with no injuries at all? He looked around himself and the blue light was still around him. Could the blue light be some sort of shield? He couldn't figure out what was going on. He decided to sit down and wait for Link, Navi and Izzy.

Link started climbing down vines faster than he ever did before. He wanted to see if his friend Brad was alright. At the same time, he was trying to be careful not to grab a hold of loose vines. Navi and Izzy decided to stay close to Link and they were following close behind him.

Navi tried to talk some sense into Link.

"You have to slow down, Link! If you climb down too fast, you're going to fall just like Brad did!"

He glared at Navi.

"In normal circumstances, I would listen to you. But I just saw one of my best friends fall down a deep well. I want to hurry in case he's hurt badly!"

He looked down into the depths of the well. He could faintly see a glowing blue light. He stopped climbing down and turned to the two fairies.

"Do you guys see a blue light below? Or is it just me?"

Izzy stared down below and she saw a blue light as well. She turned to Navi.

"He's right. I can see a blue light below. We gotta get down there and see what's going on!"

Navi nodded. She turned to Link.

"Ignore what I just told you! Let's get a move on!"

After a lot of tedious downward climbing, Link finally made it to the bottom. He turned and he saw where the blue light was coming from. It was being created by something, but he couldn't tell what it was. There was something inside the blue light. Suddenly, it stood up and began to speak.

"Hey, guys! Am I glad to see your faces!"

The voice belonged to Brad! He was okay! Link sighed with relief.

"Brad! I thought I wouldn't see you alive anymore! How did you survive that fall? And what is creating this blue light?"

Brad shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know how I survived that fall. As for the light, I have a theory. I think it is a shield of some sort. Try touching it."

Link put his hand neat it and it gave him a shock. He turned to Navi.

"Can you try to provide some light down here? I want to see what's creating this shield around Brad."

Navi nodded. She got closer to the shield. Her bright white body illuminated the room. A fairy was creating the shield! Suddenly, the shield began to fade, and the fairy collapsed on the ground in a heap. Navi flew over to the fairy. She gasped aloud.

"I don't believe it! Guys, the fairy is Valerie!"

Link gasped.

"You mean Saria's fairy? What's she doing down here?"

Navi shrugged.

"I'm not sure, but she's unconscious. That shield must have used up all her energy."

Izzy flew over to Valerie.

"I hope she's okay! Me and her are good friends."

Brad nodded and smiled.

"I hope she comes around soon. I must thank her. I owe her my life."

A short while later, Valerie began to groan loudly. She opened her eyes. Brad, Izzy, Navi and Link were all standing around her. She looked over at Brad.

"Did...it...work?", she asked weakly

Brad sat beside her.

"Do you mean that shield?"

She nodded slowly.

"Yes, it did, Valerie. Thank you very much. I owe you my life."

She smiled at him.

"Think nothing of it When I saw your fall, I decided to try my special ability. That shield is called Nayru's Love. The leader of the Great Fairies taught it to me a few years ago. I've never used it until today."

Brad patted her lightly on the head.

"Well, I'm glad it worked for you. I thought I was going to die today. Do you know where Saria is by any chance?"

Valerie started to cry softly.

"She was captured by monsters in this temple When Saria was captured, she was dragged away kicking and screaming. She tried to get away, but the monsters were far too strong. I was almost captured myself. One of them got tired of trying to capture me and tried killing me with a sword instead. I barely escaped with my life. I ended up hiding down here so the monster wouldn't chase me anymore. It was a good thing I did."

Link smiled.

"Don't worry about Saria We'll find her together. Are you able to move yet?"

Valerie stood up weakly and tried to fly, but she was still too weak. She shook her head.

"I'm afraid not. Creating that shield absorbed all my energy. Navi, Izzy, do you two know how to link your powers together? If you can do that, you may be able to perform a heal spell."

They looked at each other in confusion. Was such a thing even possible? They both shook their heads. Valerie laughed weakly.

"It's easier than you think. You first must hold hands."

Navi and Izzy turned and held hands.

"Okay. Now, focus your powers. When you build up enough power, concentrate and aim it at me. Don't worry. I can assure you that I won't be harmed."

Navi and Izzy began to concentrate. They were both glowing very brightly. Link and Brad had to shield their eyes. Suddenly, two bolts of energy shot out from both Navi and Izzy and went right into Valerie. She smiled with joy. They managed to pull it off. She got up and flew into the air. She called Navi and Izzy.

"Okay you can stop now. I am fully healed. Nice work you two!"

They stopped focusing and their glowing subsided. Brad nudged Link.

"Do you realize if we knew they could do that earlier, they could've healed Charlie?"

Link shrugged.

"Yeah, but I don't think they knew either. Maybe after we find Saria in here, we'll go back to Kakariko and do just that."

Navi and Izzy looked at each other in amazement. With their combined powers, they actually managed to heal Valerie. Navi looked over at Valerie.

"Thanks for teaching us how to do that. That ability will be very useful in our quest."

Valerie looked at her in confusion.

"What kind of quest are you on?"

"Me, Link, Brad and Izzy are on a quest to gather medallions and put a stop to Ganondorf and his evil. One of our friends was injured here and back in Kakariko and another one was turned evil by Ganondorf. I got to admit, this has been quite the unusual quest so far."

Valerie nodded.

"It sounds like it. Well, I'm feeling much better now thanks to you and Izzy. Let's get moving, shall we?"

Navi nodded.

"Sounds like a plan. Are we ready to go, Link?"

He nodded and looked around the bottom of the well. He soon discovered a passage leading through the depths of the well. He kept walking and suddenly, he stubbed his toe on something hard. He looked down and there was a small treasure chest. He opened it and there was a key inside. Brad walked up beside Link.

"What's up? Why are we stopping?"

He held up the silver key in front of him. Brad could just make it out.

"I found a key. I guess we'll find out what it's for later."

He resumed walking ahead until he came to a dead end. There was a wall in front of him. Link looked up and there was a hole leading straight up with vines growing up it. Link groaned and started to climb through the hole in the ceiling. Brad was a short distance behind. The three fairies followed up in the rear. Valerie was ready to use Nayru's Love again if she had to. After what seemed like hours, they finally made it out of the hole and into another room. Link gasped. This was the very same room they were looking at from above before! It resembled a small courtyard. There were shrubs dotted around all corners of the small room. There was even an old broken water fountain. He turned around and he noticed that they climbed out of yet another well. He saw Brad struggling and he pulled him out the rest of the way. The three fairies flew out of the well and looked around. Navi spotted an unlocked door.

"Link! There is a door to your right. It looks unlocked."

Link nodded and began to walk towards it. Suddenly, a monstrous plant popped out of the ground behind Link. He never noticed it. Brad saw it turn its head towards Link. Navi and Izzy saw it as well. They all shouted at Link.

"Hey Link! Look out behind you!", screamed Navi.

"Link! Don't end up getting hurt like Charlie! Turn around!", screamed Izzy.

Link turned around and the huge plant had its head very close to Link's head with its sharp teeth bared. Link had no time to react. Valerie sprang into action and quickly flew in front of Link and put a shield around Link's body. The plant got zapped from the magical shield. It got enraged and tried to attack Valerie. Brad couldn't take it anymore. He pulled out his scimitar and he jumped behind the plant. It detected movement and turned around. The enormous plant lunged at Brad. Brad did a back flip and started spinning with his blade. Faster and faster he spun. He aimed his spin towards the plant with blinding speed. It hissed angrily and tried to lunge at the spinning Brad. The move decapitated the unlucky plant and its body dropped lifeless to the ground. Valerie, seeing there was no more danger, removed the shield surrounding Link. Brad stopped spinning. He was feeling dizzy after the spinning. Valerie turned and glared at Link.

"You got to be more observant, Link! That was too close."

Izzy flew in front of Link.

"Yeah, it was. You almost ended up like Charlie. Be more careful!"

Link turned and faced everybody.

"I'm sorry, guys. I got a lot on my mind. I was thinking about Saria and hoping we find her. I'm also worried about Charlie, and I hope he's alright. Finally, I was thinking about Max again and wondering if he will ever be normal again. All that distraction almost got me attacked. I'm sorry, my friends."

Brad walked in front of Link and looked up at him.

"I wouldn't call that a distraction. You're just worried about your friends, that's all. It's understandable. But you can't let that stop you from focusing. Come on, pal. Cheer up. Let's move through this place and leave our worries behind for later."

Link smiled and patted Brad on the back.

"Thank you, Brad. You're right as usual. I'm going to try not to worry anymore."

They opened the door and walked into the next room. The door barred shut behind them. They soon realized that they were back in the room where they saw the ghosts! Link groaned aloud.

"Are we just going in circles?"

Brad looked around the huge room and nodded slowly.

"It seems that way. Why don't we see if that key you found will fit one of the locked doors in here?"

Navi brightened up.

"What a great idea, Brad! Let's look at the nearest door. It's just up the stairs beside us."

They made their way up the stairs. Link walked up to the door and tried unlocking it with the key he found. It fit perfectly and unlocked the door! Link and Brad walked inside. Brad turned around and held the door open for the three fairies. Valerie thanked him for being so courteous.

"Thanks for holding the door for us, Brad! That was very nice of you."

Brad scuffed his boot in embarrassment.

"Ah it was nothing. Glad to help you guys out."

They made their way slowly forward in the big round room. There were red banners all over the walls and there was blue carpet spread across most of the floor. Suddenly, a faint laughter echoed around the room. Brad looked around in fright.

"Was that you, Link? What's so funny?"

Link shook his head.

"I never laughed. I assumed you were laughing."

Brad started to feel frightened.

"The faerie's voices don't echo like that, but if it wasn't you or me, who was laughing?"

Suddenly, a big bulky skeleton in steel armor appeared beside Brad. It whispered into his ear.

"I'll give you a hint, kid. It was me! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Brad jumped back in fright. He looked at Link nervously.

"Kill that damn thing, Link! It scares the hell out of me!"

Link walked up in front of the skeleton with his master sword drawn. The skeleton started to laugh even harder.

"You want to challenge me? Foolish mortal. I will kill you where you stand. Prepare to die!"

Link roared and charged at the skeleton with his sword drawn. The skeleton easily side stepped his attack. He grinned at Link.

"Too slow! You have to do better than that to defeat me! Don't you know anything about swordplay? Speed is everything! You do not have enough skill to even come close to hitting me! Come on! Try harder you weakling!"

Link focused and started to perform a spin attack. Faster and faster he spun towards the skeleton. He smiled broadly.

"Very impressive. I see you know how to perform the whirlwind spin. Come at me! See how well it does against me!"

Link got closer and closer and the skeleton jumped right over Link. When he finished his spin, Link turned around in confusion.

"How are you dodging everything? I can't land a single hit on you!"

The skeleton nodded.

"I know. In life, I was a very skilled swordsman. I am now in the service of the great Ganondorf. He calls me a Darknut. Now it's my turn. Are you ready for this, mortal?"

He reached behind him and brought forth a massive sword. The sword was so big, it made Link's master sword look like a toothpick. Link gasped in disbelief.

"Oh my god! How am I supposed to fight back when you have a sword that big? Brad, I need your help! I know you're afraid of that thing, but you got to put your fears aside and help me!"

The darknut charged at Link with his massive sword drawn. Link dove to one side and barely missed being cleaved in two by the blade. The darknut growled.

"If you stay still, I promise I'll make your death a quick one!"

Link shook his head.

"No deal! I'm still going to win this somehow. Just you wait!"

The darknut laughed.

"That's too funny, you puny mortal! You have no hope of defeating me!"

Suddenly, Brad was beside him with his sword drawn.

"I'm here to help! You were right, Link. I can't be afraid right now."

He looked over at the three fairies. They seemed to be glowing very brightly. Were they practicing an attack of some sort? Brad tried to call them over.

"What are you guys doing? We could use some help!"

All three fairies flew over to Brad. Valerie explained to Brad exactly what they were doing.

"We were trying to focus our power together. I believe if the three of us focus, we may be able to unleash a powerful attack on that darknut. You and Link try to keep him busy while we concentrate."

Link scratched his head in confusion.

"Are you serious? How are we supposed to keep him busy? If we get too close to him, he'll cleave us in two with that giant sword!"

Navi was starting to get angry.

"You ARE the Hero of Time, remember? Think of something! If nothing else, at least dodge his attacks until we are ready! Try to be a hero instead of a wimp!"

The darknut was noticing that he was being ignored. He growled loudly.

"Enough talk! Now that everyone has said their prayers, pay attention to me! Time to finish this! Ganondorf will be very pleased."

He started to charge towards Link with his sword drawn. He looked over at Brad.

"I'm going to distract him! While I'm doing that, try to attack him from behind!"

Brad nodded.

"Gotcha, Link! Please be careful! I don't want to see my bud cleaved in two, okay?"

He gave Brad a thumbs up.

"No need to worry! Just try to find an opening in that armor."

Brad ran off in the opposite direction. Luckily, the darknut didn't see Brad as he ran behind him. Link turned to the fairies.

"Please try not to take too long with that focusing."

Navi was glowing bright white. She glared at him.

"Just go fight that thing and leave us alone, okay? Hrmph!"

Link sighed and turned around. The darknut was closing in on him. Link swung his sword to attack. The blade clanged harmlessly off the darknut's breastplate. He grinned and took his massive blade and aimed it point down and went to bring it down on Link's head. Suddenly, he gasped in surprise. His breastplate fell off of his body. Brad was behind the darknut. He waved at Link.

"I managed to break the cord holding up his breastplate! Try to get some hits in."

The darknut laughed.

"So you managed to remove my breastplate? Do you really think that's going to help?"

He grinned and turned around and kicked Brad. The kick sent him flying across the room. He hit the wall on the other side of the room and collapsed in a heap. Link looked at him in anger.

"You bastard! I'm going to kill you for that!"

He attempted to swing his sword at the darknut's unprotected back. The sword didn't even leave a dent in the monster's bones. Suddenly, he heard Navi cry out.

"Link! Get the hell out of the way!"

Link and the darknut looked over. All three fairies were glowing very brightly, and they seemed to have an attack ready. They were jolts of lightning coming from the fairies. Link jumped out of the way. The fairies unleashed their power. It was a very powerful electrical wave. It struck the darknut with a powerful force. It was so powerful, it shattered the darknut's bones and when it was over, all that remained of the once powerful darknut was a pile of ash. Link turned around and looked at the three fairies in awe.

"How the hell did you do that?!"

Valerie smiled.

"We fairies pack more power than you might think. We combined our powers and that was the result."

Suddenly, a big treasure chest appeared in the center of the room. Link gasped. He had almost forgotten about Brad! He ran over to the other side of the room with the three fairies following closely behind. He picked up Brad and shook him gently.

"Brad! Wake up, man. We beat the skeleton."

Brad didn't respond or move. Link gasped in shock. The kick from the skeleton didn't kill Brad, did it?