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"Shadow: Part III", chapter 11Shadow: Part IIIBy: OkichanThe night air was crept with cold, despite the crowd of torches. Link had never fully realized the power of silence until now. He looked on and up to the heavens that where occasionally skewed by clouds. The stars would disappear with a flutter and twinkle and then reappear sometime later into the night as the wafts of clouds passed overhead. Link recalled his orders he had set a while ago upon arriving in front of Folis's tent. He remembered that he wanted Sheik to be with him for support and take part in explaining there dilemma. Link sighed and the air in front of his mouth turned to white vapor and he shrugged his arms from the cold and waited, still and uncomfortable. Link had noticed how different Folis seemed tonight then the one other place where Link had set eyes on his skill and style of combat. Link was inwardly frustrated. Folis had so much anger inside of him, but why? Link wetted his dry lips, and the moisture stung on his mouth, causing him he relent with the cold breeze that flowed continuously over his face. How would Link explain himself to the prince, he couldn't imagine the younger mans reaction when he awoke. Would he be outraged? Would he not hold his promise? Link couldn't tell, and he felt like he probably shouldn't trust him. But in some strange way, the look Folis had given him at the end of the fight convinced him that the prince was merely acting out of a case of loss beyond words ( which Link could relate with ). Or that he was temporarily insane, a berzerker if you want to name it that. The bon fires around him, and continuous sounds of steel works being forged unsettled the Hylian even more. What a strange place, Link thought. He tapped his foot on the ground a couple times with boredom. He wondered why they would be searching for Bloodtooth here? Was he planing to also take to same route to the tower? Nonsense, Link corrected, of course he was coming this way . This was the only way for at least three hundred miles in either direction. Link lifted his head to stare off into the distance, to the white capes of the glaciers and freezing tops. They where so large, Link had never noticed how mammoth they where compared to even his homelands Death Mountain, and yet, they where so unexplored that many did not have names. They where only called 'the northern branch'. The constant sounds of steel molding was interrupted by the slightest indication of people walking in from the right. Links ears twitched instinctively and he turned his head to the noise as it came closer. Link was not surprised as Sheik, who walked almost silently was followed by two large guards with giant spears held high at there sides. They came out of the orange and inky glow of the night and the camps bon fires, Link greeted Sheik with a smile. Link was surprised though, to see Sheiks mask unveiled, his fierce and serious expression had not changed or faltered though. The two guards stopped, and Link was about to dismiss them when Sheik turned to both and nodded, they both cracked slight smiles and turned, walking away. Link was glade that these troops where not as superior and grim as them appeared, even Sheik seemed to trust them at one level or another. "Is he awake yet?" Sheik said. "No." Sheik said nothing for a few seconds, his red eyes wondered with boredom. They stopped when they focused on the four discs on Link right hand, then Sheik looked into Links face again, meeting his eyes, he frowned about something before talking. "I don't think he trusts you." Link rolled his eyes. "I have to earn trust Sheik, and I know beating the shit out of him hasn't helped much." Link did not smile at his statement, his expression darkened. The two said nothing to each other for minutes after that. Link could not find anything to say to Sheik. He didn't need to say anything to Sheik, he just needed him here for support, nothing else. Sheik turned to look upon the mountains as they waited still, and cold. He closed his eyes with a pristine and serene gaze and filled his lungs with a long breath of cool air. Link exhaled, and a waft of chilly breath left his mouth. As the tent flap opened, Link took a step towards it, three large man in white and blue robes exited and greeted him. Sheik only observed, he did not move from his farther spot. The first one bowed slightly to Link, and his clean and wrinkled face smiled. "Folis is awake now, if I am not mistaken, you are Link?" he asked. Link nodded. "You may enter to see him for your council with him then." He continued. His eyes turned blankly to Sheik, who nodded in greeting. He smiled in a way that seemed trained and nodded back, folded his concealed and robed hands together so they disappeared. "The prince wishes to only see Link for now, I'm sorry but you will have to wait out here." he remarked. Link glared at the impending healer with much confusion. "I'm the one giving orders, Folis was defeated at my blade, so..." a gentle, yet firm hand rested on Links shoulder, Link turned to face Sheik, who shook his head with disapproval. His darker eyes pulsed with determination as he spoke "It is best for you if you face him alone, he may think of you in a higher status. I will still be here Link. You started this, and I suggest you finish it as well." Link frowned and shrugged off Sheiks firm hand and turned from him. There was no point in arguing with Sheik, because Link knew that he would ultimately lose. Link twisted his eyes to look at Sheik once more. "Your staying right here, right?" Sheik nodded, and turned away, setting himself the duty of guarding the entrance to the dwelling, the three robed men moved aside and waited for Link to enter. The flaps of the tent closed softly behind him. The temperature of the room hit him with a wave of soothing warmth, the air smelled better too, thicker with rose perfume, and some other kind of sweet smell. The ceiling was low, and held up by low set pillars of oak wood. The room was larger then Link had originally thought, and now as he witnessed it, the hero realized how less magnificent it was then he thought it would be. Considering the person inside was a prince and no peasant. Three candles burned on three of the four smaller tables. As Link stepped forward onto the small plush but dirtied rug a familiar voice called from somewhere in the back and concealed half of the tent. "I thought you where a fake." The harsh voice rolled a little snicker after that. "What do you think of me now?" Link asked. "I believe what my father told me now...about you...I didn't believe him before." Link watched as Folis stepped out from his concealed bed chamber. He was wearing a very plain set of cloths, a brown and baggy tunic which was held tight to his waist by a plain leather belt, his shoulder length hair was let down, and glimmering black, though untidy. And he wore very simple leather boots and white pants, his swords sheath tapped against his thigh as he strode forward. Link looked into his eyes, and recognized something familiar, a familiar intelligence maybe? The benevolent urge inside of them had disappeared, causing Links tensed shoulders to lighten a little with relief. "How long has your party been out here? I remember you four months ago at the battle in the Moblins Pass." Link asked, Folis clasped his hands behind his back and turned his calm eyes to the dirt. He licked his lips while his expression changed to one of blank frustration. "We ventured back to the castle, and when the supplies started to flow in again. Father sent me off on a mission, he said very little about what was happening, only that I should take me best troops and come here. Come to the northern branch pass." Folis began to slowly pace forward, he continued after a brief pause. "A few weeks ago I sent a messenger back to Northwind, asking for a report because my troops where getting restless. We had done nothing for weeks but wait for an unclear purpose. When the messenger came back, he brought with him a long list of commands..." Folis leaned onto the nearest and largest table. Link could hear the apathy in his words and he continued even further into detail. "The letter said that the castle was being invaded by Bloodtooths army. But this was no horde of his. Malik said they brought with them a dark cloud over the city, and would only attack at night, hundreds of the people where killed in a matter of days." He took a breath of steadying air. "They torched houses, pillaged and rampaged through the guard blockades like a wild flame. Father planned an attack the days after that, but the cloud had disappeared along with Bloodtooth and his battalion." Folis clenched the side of the table and his voice became bleak and withdrawn, almost at a whisper. "Father found out about the medallions from someone he called Link, and two others by the names of Sheik and Mayoree. He found sources that explained Bloodtooths plans. Now he's dealing with something beyond his control, and he has been searching for the medallions to find that control. Which means Bloodtooth has been searching for you." Folis turned to Link, his eyes where lit with an angry fire, but one that wasn't directed at Link. The hero of time smirked inwardly, that was the angry fire of vengeance for something you care about, not the anger towards a person. "I'm sorry, but I must thank you, you have cleared up a few matters without my even requesting it." Link answered in the brief silence that followed Folis's explanation. Folis's expression softened, he looked at Link with a kind of curiosity, then rose from the table and lightly pressed his right hand against his sword hilt for comfort. "I forgot to thank you." He said honestly, Link raised an eyebrow. "For defeating me, I wanted to thank you for that." "Why?" "I was not myself, I was acting out of pure anger. It was just that my people, three hundred of them are dead I wasn't there to do anything. And then you came, I thought you where one of Bloodtooths minions, a messenger or a scout. I wanted to believe that, but you proved me wrong and I thank you for that." Folis rubbed the back of his neck and hissed when he felt the tender and bruised skin where Link had punched him earlier. "I apologize for my false statements towards you as well." he continued sollumly, surprisingly he met Links eyes a couple of times as he talked, showing he had more courage then Link had originally sensed in him, Link frowned. "What happened the weeks after the incident?" He asked seriously. Folis clenched his jaw and swallowed hard. "He sent me maps and studies he has made over the last months, hence from the arrival of you three. The medallions, he said a lot about them." Folis rustled his hand into a messy stack of parchment and began shifting through it. "They are works of evil, forged by a dark power which is drawn to them as they seep the life off of those around them." He said out of memory as he still shifted the papers with a messy order. "And the Triforce, did he mention that?" Link asked, he began to walk towards the prince, who still shifted the papers feverishly. "Yes, he mentioned the creation of the goddesses. he said that was the source of the medallions, the sages who protect the earth and there elements." Link slowly leaned over the table, watching as Folis stopped and set down a small and worn scroll, slowly and carefully he rolled it out onto the polished surface of wood. "I'm afraid your land, Hyrule, is one of the few left in the world that actually believe in the Triforce, my father has studied it for years upon end. And thus I have learned much about your Hyrulian legends and ancient languages and beliefs." "You know about our quest?" Folis turned to Link, his expression was one of finality. "You seek your queen, who is currently in the grip of a darker plane." He explained. Link could feel and inner fire seeping in through his torso, it burned with inner hate. "That is and extent of my knowledge of your being here." "We are out here to correct a mistake that was made by our kingdom in the first place." "Mistake?" "Rejoining the Triforce was a mistake. It has caused the world to be flung into chaos." Link said very quietly and calmly, for he had told this story and run in through his mind more times then he could count. "Apparently, its rejoining offset the current world order. And according to the Book of Shadow, it has created some kind of darker copy of itself to balance this offset. But what makes no sense, is that apparently the copy has been around for thousands upon thousands of years before Hyrule was even created, so we don't know how that would be possible." "Not possible?" Folis asked out of pure confusion. "Because Hyrule rejoined the Triforce and sent it back through the temple of time but thirteen years ago. And yet the darker path has been leering into our world for many more thousands of years then we could count, and now it's power is beginning to show. Which means it's very near it's climax of completion with power over the world." Links voice had again degrade to a whisper. "And now we're at a race to stop it." He stopped, his eyes where still locked with Folis in a fierce, but yet pleading gaze. "Folis." Link began. "I need your help, your kingdoms help, with no queen my land in taken into fright and it's heart has been pulled out by the roots, we have no defense, only me and my companions. Bloodtooth is working for someone in the higher achy of the shadow, they have one of other medallions. No, most likely they have gathered the two other dark powers we do not have." Link pushed himself from the table and began to pace back and forth, an absorbed Folis watched with impended interest. "The tower of night, your going there, aren't you?" Link stopped pacing and nervously scratched the bottom of his chin. "Yes, both sides are racing to the finish now. We're going to a place I fear I know very little about. And we have no means of defense, this is why we must act quickly Folis, this is why I need your help." Folis studied Links face as it turned menacing, Link brushed his hair and turned away from him. "Folis, understand my plea for support." Link looked back into the princes questioning eyes. Folis's inward expression was unsure, he did not move. Link feared his plead had not convinced the prince, but rather made him feel awkward or suspicious. Folis moved towards a chair and sat down. "You and your party can stay the night, and tomorrow..." His expression changed to frustration. Link couldn't withhold his anger. "I need you to trust me." He shouted. Folis stepped to his feet again, and pushed a hand onto the hilt of his sword. "You have my trust Link, but you do not have my word, but my decision to help you can wait tonight, when I can announce it to everyone, then they will all understand." Link grunted and turned towards the door, his hand ripped the flap open as he
stepped out, not quite happy with the princes silent demise. "Time is never
permanent, and neither is destiny. Both are always changing and moving. " Link
said, and gracefully he exited the room, the tent flap closing slowly and calmly
behind him. Folis let out a long sigh and gently he rested his suddenly heavied
and burdened head to his desk, the decision was made, but the pact would wait
until tomorrow.
The wind swept it's chilly sting over the slumbering camp sight. The sky was as clear and black as a ravens wing, and with the uncanny darkness, even the night animals felt the slight and uncomfortable feeling in the air. Perhaps they sniffed in on the wind because no animals called that night, no crickets whistled, no predators and mountainous beasts roared or bellowed. Only the wind signaled any slight noise, it whistled softly but eerily at the slightly ajar tent flap. Making it flutter softly in the breeze, and allowing what little star light there was to creep inside and over the man sleeping there. His hand twitched as the breeze feel over it, caressing his cold fingers with it's chilling bite. His hand moved to clutch the small satchel hung round his neck, turning on his side, his tilted eyes still closed and drifting in a deep and unmoved slumber. He was unaware as a distant rumble headed from the north, clouds that covered the sky came impossibly quick, their rolling thunder seemed far off at first, but in a matter of minutes, the sky was darkened by their concealing mass. A shadow moved across the ground, darker then even the darkest night, it's smoky form barely visible as it wafted eerily along to ground. Two others followed, their breathing was hard and labored, two pairs of red eyes showed where their shadowed heads where. A cold trail followed the beasts as their glistening and wet teeth shown through the darkness. Dust rose from the ground in clouds as they passed through the forest of tents, quietly following the gliding shadow in front of them. The robes folded over the undeads face, his deathly eyes, glowing a faint and blood red flicked back and forth. He stopped silently, the very slight sound of a sliding blade, and quiet foot steps lurched forward. Another blade slid loose, the small amount of light was blocked from the tent for a short second. The whoosh of the flap as it closed again all did not stir the sleeping man. The shadow moved against the background, violently he raced forward across the tent, but not a sound was heard from his gliding feet. The glowing eyes, pale and deadly fell to the ground, the shimmer of a blade
cut through the air, followed by a scream. The demons hands grasped the blood
covered satchel as he fled back through night.
Link awoke to a agonized cry in the night. "Intruders, intruders in the camp!" the warning bell rung out with a maddening fury. The Hylian stumbled to his feet, running out into the dusty and clay road outside of his quarters. The camp was swarming with men running every which way, fires where lit continuously around him. Links sensitive ears honed in on the pattering of feet to his left. Links heart raced as he spotted the distinctive blackness, the shadow he had seen so many months before this night. Links trembling fingers came to his lips, he let out a shrill whistle, and with the 'shing' of his freed blade, he began to run. The Hylian spotted Lev. As untamed as lightning the stallion came up quickly behind him, his mammoth hooves pounded the ground and his snorting breaths heaving with nervous excitement. Link made a timely leap into Levs stirrup and swung effortlessly into the saddle. "Hayah Lev, yah!" The air felt hot and dark as it raced past Links face. The blurring fires and shouts melted into one strange and urging voice, Links fingers tightened on his sword and sweat began to film on his face. The black stallions mane whipped Links face as he sat forward in the saddle, his free hand snapping the reigns and he shouted for the horse to go faster. Men scrambled to get out of Links way, Levs feet churned the dirt and a dust trail soon formed behind him as they exited the camp at a top and blinding speed. His hooves repeating the quick and hypnotizing rhythms of 'bahdabum badabum' as Lev somehow seemed to understand Links urgency to drive himself faster. Link could see the canyon walls around him narrow, the valley split away into a rough the guided path, and still he pursued the shadow. Links blade glistened as it twirled in his hand. The Garo turned it's glowing eyes towards him, and with a terrified whinny Levs hooves dug into the ground and his great head tossed back as he pawed the air. Link didn't see the two that come quickly behind him, the first one leapt into the air with a snarl, it's dogish face crunched with the bloodlust of beasts. Link gasped and then seized with pain as the creatures claws and teeth latched on to his back, head and open maw barked and foamed. It's jaws lunged for Links open and exposed neck. The claws ran long and deep gashes into his back, making Link scream with pure agony. The mans teary eyes regained sight, and a spout of blue blood spattered Links face as his sword dug into the demons flesh. The animal tossed back to the dirt with a yelp of great pain, sprawling on the ground as blood spurted from it's scaly neck. Lev reared again as Link struggled to regain control of his whipping bridle, and tried to stand the searing pain in his back as his shredded tunic stuck to his torn flesh with the flowing and pooling blood. Links eyes caught a glimpse of the fleeing blackness, but suddenly the world under him rocked violently as he regained control of Lev. Links found himself twirling through the air, his arms spun limply and painfully. His sword clanged to the rocky ground and with the whoosh and the bark of a familiar beast. The frightened sounds of Lev trailed off as he sped off back to camp, his hoof beats trailing off as Link still rocked in the air for another second. There was a fierce growl, the two red eyes appeared above him, the demon was upon him with a frenzy. Link hit the ground with unrecognizable pain. His head slammed into the dirt and paws and teeth came at him in all directions. Links foot caught in the creatures gut, sending it whirling backwards with the fericousity of his strength and skidding across the ground. Links heart raced, pounding against his rib cage. Link rose up, his sword cut the air and the creature howled and then gurgled as the Biggorons sword pinned it's tender throat to the ground. Link released his blade, his head whipped around, but he could not find the Garo. It had disappeared into the darkness. The air felt hot and still, boiling over Links face like a hot mask. The sweat built on his forehead, his hair was moist with it. Link still searched, the urging voice of the camp behind him told him to go forward. With all the chaos around him, Link gripped his sword. His teeth gritted and eyes where awake and aware. And Link could see, he could see against the darkness and orange flare of the camps. He spotted the fleeting monster. It had taken something, Link knew it had taken something. Link first started out walking towards it. His feet carrying his small steps, the blood ran down the small of his back, leaking into his aural, but he couldn't even feel that pain anymore. He focused only on the Garo. His feet carried him quicker, beating the ground as he held his sword with both hands to the side. A fire ignited in his eyes, he leapt over the rocky path, leapt like the wind from rock to rock. Somewhere out of the madness and pain Link had found his senses again, his warrior instinct was awakened again. He knew that the thing had stolen the medallions! Links maddened expression focused on the Garo with a white hatred, his sword lifted over his head, he swung. And with a white flash of sparks the two swords met edge to edge for the first time. "Give them back." He demanded. The red eyes met with his, the glowing death behind the smoky outline made Link wince and hesitate slightly. His sword slipped and then with a swift and sharp punch Link was thrown back against a large rock. But Link would not be phased by this, and again the swords slapped together with blinding force. "Give them back!" Link demanded. Like dancing flames of white light the weapons twisted and met each other in a maddening swiftness. Link parried, thrusted, leap forward, parried. all the while gaining ground. With a sweeping arch the Garos right saber caught his hit inches from his concealed hood,. Link leapt backwards as the other saber spun into a deadly thrust, just scratching his stomach. Leaving a lasting sting. Links eyes grew more intense as a low chuckle emanated from the demons mouth. With a battle cry Link leapt forward again, his sword slashing madly. "Give them back!" Link shouted. He parried, hacking the sword down, right against the things chest, the two swords crossed defensively, Link could feel the Garos strength weaken. Link lifted his sword over his head, his sweat stained hands gripping it tightly for the last blow. The Garo saw the opening, and Link did too, realizing his fatal mistake. The Garo plunged the hilt of his right saber into Links defenseless stomach, and the Hylian quelled over with nausea and pain. Stumbling backwards, he watched helplessly as the demon fled. Link managed to walk forward clutching his stomach as his breathing hissed through his teeth, teary eyes watched the demon glide into the darkness. Link's eyes turned wild, and somewhere deep inside, he found a voice that said he must go on, ignore the waves of pain searing through his back and stomach. He smelled blood that he knew was his own. And suddenly the pain was lifted again. Links sword clanged to the ground, and he barreled forward. Link hands wrapped around the things neck, and they both toppled violently to the ground, the demon wriggling desperately and choking under him for a faint breath of air. Link pulled his head up by the neck. and when a painful jab in the ribs, Link was tossed back again. The Garo scrambled to its feet, Link eyes drew to a shimmering line to the left, an arrow parted to air. and with a smack and a shout of agony the Garos hand gnarled in pain. his impaled hand dropped the satchel. Links eyes drew right, and there upon a stout rock see Mayoree, the camp light vaguely reflected off her shimmering hair. Her golden and silver bow held prepped in her hand. Link stumbled forward as the Garo scrambled to it's feet and fleeted off into the darkness, and disappeared without a sound. Link picked up the satchel with trembling hands, his breathing hard and painful. link could feel the fractures of hi ribs as they screamed with pain, but it was over now, Link thought. With careful and pale hands he pulled the draw string, his eyes grew wide. Only three medallions remained. |