Live Your Own Story in Hyrule

Link walks up to the Zora captain with a smile. “Can we borrow this?” He holds up a long rope he had used when tying up one of his prisoners earlier.

The Zora raises his expression, examining the strange Zora with a judgmental look.

“You may.” he says, with a hint of annoyance. “Let it be known, however, that these waters are inhabited by fierce monsters that will swallow you without hesitation. If we pull the rope and there is nothing on the other end, then we will know what happened.”

Link smiles again, thanking the captain, and then proceeds to jump into the water while holding the long rope.

Meanwhile, Tera looks back at Irina with a silent and intense expression. There is a lot of hurt and pain in her eyes just below the angry scowl.

She looks as if she were about to retort to the barmaid but when the Zora reads their fate she retreats, maybe to keep her mouth shut but also to let the rope move freely as the other Zora jumps into the water.

Before Irina follows, Tera appears at her side with a large sharp hook that looks like it would be used for fishing out a large beast. She holds it up silently, then offers it to the woman.

Irina is surprised by the woman's gesture and smiles to her. “Thank you, Miss Tera,” she says, accepting the hook. “I will bring it back.”

Seeing Link jump over while holding the rope, Irina looks between the Zora and the Hylian. “Also, if you see that he is clearly in danger,” she adds, “please pull the rope.”

With a quick bow of her head and a smile, she dives into the water following Zora Link.

Tera's scowl softens slightly, though she looks away and walks towards the end of the rope that is tied to the central mast of the ship. She turns to Irina before she leaves and takes the rope, wrapping part of it around her fist and raises it to the aquatic barmaid. "Don't get eaten down there."

Zora Link is already a considerable distance in the water. He looks up to see Irina break the surface and float down. He calls to her with his arms and points to a dull light that floats deep below. The paths of light seem to flow from that point through the ocean. The paths are harder to discern underwater but what is very apparently is the darkness that lurks everywhere else... well almost darkness. Big bodies seem to move in those shadows, their exact distance and size not clear but they give the sensation that they are massive. Nothing can be seen in the path of the light, however.

Irina swims through the path of light, following Link. It seems clear to both that those paths are the only safe pathways, or at least safer than the darker areas.

She arrives where Link is and looks at the source of the light paths. “Let's hope that is the sphere. How do you want to do it? I don't know much about light and shadow beasts, but this is my element.”

Several large beasts pass in front of the light. They are not clearly visible, but it is apparent that they are huge.

Link motions to all of the beasts in the area. Let's try to get closer.

"Stay close and you should be able to breathe if you are near me, but the pressure will be strong."

He begins to swim closer to the sphere but it seems very far away despite the fact that they are swimming towards it.

Irina watches the large shadow beasts and nods to Link. “I can try to move and freeze water if necessary, although I don't think I can freeze something that large.”

After mentioning her limitations, Irina dives into the water after Link. For now, she can breathe—the scale behind her neck emits a soft glow in the water. And they seem to be approaching the orb, even if it is far.

Link also glows. He sees particles of light form from his hands as he moves through the water. They fade into the darkness but illuminate the immediate area. It's almost as if the light magic inside of him reacts with the darkness.

A very large creature, much larger than the previous, suddenly appears and blocks the light completely for a moment. On the surface, they probably see the light dim and flicker for a moment as the massive creature passes by. But as it passes, so do other creatures that seem to be after it. They appear to attack it before it retreats into the darkness.

Link and Irina can feel the strong currents as the creature displaces water between them and the sphere.

Revali is glad that situation was over, although his desire for a fight still lingered in the back of his mind. He maintained his place perched at the bow. "I come all this way only for them to jump back into the water again," he grumbled to himself. "But, this might just be the boon we need. Hey! We've got others that traveled with us. Is there room on this ship to take on more? it's like my friend mentioned, we're trying to find a sword and save Hyrule, but it's harder to do that apart than together. If I fly them in, will you be able to board them?" He asks the crew, though the question is aimed more at the captain.

Red was also glad that situation was over. He is less motivated to land on the boat, besides the water was the greater enemy here. Especially with what it contained, "How are they going to bring that thing back up? It seems so heavy..." He looks to Blue as he starts a negotiation. "Is there any way to dredge up stuff from those waters? I mean, I don't blame you if there isn't. Seems like everything in there isn't exactly on friendly terms."

Kala looks to the light, not blinking. “Such light has never been seem here.”

"...Something's wrong." _Gatu said, standing up._ "Mipha, can you control the water and help me make an ice bridge across?" _he asked the Zora Princess, taking action._

Mipha looks across to the islands and then back to Gatu. "That distance is far too great for me. I don't know what has happened, but we'll just have to hope they're alright. For now, perhaps we should continue to inform ourselves of the inhabitants here. Our presence here is a disturbance, but it need not be a negative one for much longer."

She then turns her attention to Kala, "This place hasn't always been governed by darkness, has it? Can you tell us when the change to this realm possibly occurred? And perhaps what may have started it?"

listens to the conversation quietly. Before answering Mipha, she adds. “Even if we built an ice bridge, it would surely melt before we made it across.”

She sits back and ponders Mipha's question. After a few moments she replies, “My people were banished here from Hyrule. According to the legends, this land was cursed with eternal twilight to suppress the light and seal us here in perpetuity.”

She looks up to the visitors, “Tell me. Does the sun not shine over Hyrule?”

Mipha takes a seat on the ground wth her trident resting atop her lap. "The sun still shines, but I don't know for how much longer," she answered wistfully. "Hyrule is in danger. Deep chasms have opened up all over the land and foul creatures arise from them, occupying the skies and ground. Meanwhile, the market is sealed in a strange barrier that has captivated the people inside and turned them to poes. I can only assume it will worsen over time. We came here to retrieve the Master Sword because it is one of few means that can beat back these terrible things."

She observed her own weapon at that moment. "And yet, I still feel a dread in the back of my mind that tries to tell me it may not be enough." Her eyes dilate in response to the second flash at the islands and she looks in their direction. "I want this feeling to be wrong, so I continue to fight it and hope for the best for my people and the rest of Hyrule."

Kala shields her eyes from the second blast, but her gaze stays fixated in that direction.

She begins to tell a story. “The legends also foretell of a prophecy. Our ancestral land will fall to a similar curse when the barrier between our two worlds is broken. Their knights would descend to our realm and bring back the light. We will have an opportunity to redeem the iniquities of our forebears.”

She turns to the princess and says, “I have nothing to lose here and I would like to help you save your own land. We are distant cousins, after all.”

She turns to point to the islands in the sky. “Many here have completely forgotten their lore and have succumbed to the darkness. Others have held on to their identities but have embraced the darkness. There are rumors that some of my kin, some of whom we have not seen for quite some time, hide among the shadows and are amassing a coup against those of the sky. Regardless of whether that is true or not, every day there are less and less of my people.”

_Gatu grits his teeth a bit, seeing what's going on across the waterfalls on the suspended island. He can only hope Link and the others know what they're doing._
"I think I could make it across before it melts. My Pegasus Speed Spell would make me quick enough to run across. You saw how fast I zipped around and killed those stalfos and other monsters Mipha."

"...But maybe you're right. I'm just antsy because I feel so powerless to do anything. I barely have any gear or items, so I can only rely on my Magic until we get back to Hyrule."
_Gatu listens as Kala explains the Twili's and the Twilight's origins, in which he remembers reading a scroll in Vaati's library that describes such an event, though it sounded like it it the Twili Zora's account of the event in the distant past._

"Kala, I am beyond grateful for your desire to help. With us aligned, we are far stronger than we would be on our own. As distant cousins, it would be my honor to help redeem this stain that has tainted us for so long," Mipha admits honestly. "And Gatu, I recognize that you are anxious and you have every reason to be. However, we do have a purpose down here as much as they do up there. We should try to figure out what we can do next from here. We are dealing with more than just a battle, but the livelihood of an entire people before us," she motions to Kala in particular as she says this.

"I saw how you fought and you did well. But we must also know battles will not always end at the tip of a sword. We have a responsibility to our minds also." She stands up, witnessing the second flash, but she doesn't turn to face it. Instead, she continues her conversation, "You said earlier that the light we've seen flashing from those islands has been unseen. Do you believe this light may be related to the prophecy you've shared?"

Kala looks up at Mipha as she rises. Her gazes is contemplative and deep with emotion. “I don't know…” she says heavily, as if her own words were betraying the tone in which she spoke, the emotionless facade breaking momentarily. “I don't know if I believe in such things.”

She stands to meet the princess. “But I believe what I am seeing. Ga-tu—“ pronouncing the man's name with the slight hesitation of a foreigner, “Your urgency is warranted. I feel we are on the cusp of some great opportunity.”

"True." _Gatu says, leaning against a nearby wall. He's trying to relax, but he can't help but feel a bit antsy, especially after all that- frankly- traumatizing stuff he sorta witnessed in the Shadow Temple. Impa and the Shiekah are going to be busy cleaning up that mess..._

"It wasn't easy getting here to this realm... This Twilight... I fear leaving will be the biggest problem. I can't shake the feeling someone or something will try in all its power to stop us from getting the Master Sword back to Hyrule." _Gatu added, looking perplexed._

"But something keeps bugging me... I used the Master Sword to end the Flood and recede the waters... I went with Princess Zelda and her guards to return it to its pedestal in the Temple of Time. The Door of Time were sealed shut before the flood, and only opened after she used her Sage magic to open it up so I could return it with her since we didn't have the Spiritual Stones or the other two keys. So how was it the Master Sword got taken and brought here in the first place after the Door of Time was closed?"

Mipha could understand Kala's sentiments, even if she may have been slightly disheartened at hearing her words. Still, she would hold out hope regarding the opportunity that might very well present itself.

"Evil has a way of overwhelming and corrupting what are considered sacred places. Each of the temples in the land served significance to its people in some form and Ganondorf invaded each one. The Master Sword, despite its power, I can imagine can be affected in similar fashion. However, unlike the temples, it bears a unique sentience that may have contributed to its disappearance. It may have ended up here due to fear or protection or something else," she offered her thoughts on the matter.

"That is what I think, at any rate."

Maintaining her hold on her trident, she turns away from the group to look towards the islands once again. It doesn't appear they're very active, which begs the question of where the others are. Were they successful? Why haven't they returned?

She'd placed a hand to her chest in a self-soothing manner to calm her heart, nearly sinking into the thought that they might very well be in trouble. Naturally, she lowered her eyes from the island feeling troubled. Yet, what was sadness was quickly turned into befuddlement. "What is happening in the water?"

She returned to the group. "Something has happened in the sea. It's filled with streams of light!"

_Gatu runs over and looks downwards to see what Mipha sees._
"Something important must have fallen into the water after what the others did over on the Floating Island. It's hard to tell, but... I think they went down to retrieve it. I think I see a craft of some sort down there, near the farthest stream of light over there." _Gatu said, pointing it out to Mipha if she hasn't spotted it._

(See <#C5FAAGN80>)

Suddenly, a black crystal slams into the ground at high speeds, with a sudden flash of light in the form of a beam slamming into it, setting it off. Once the dust settles, one can see a Fog begin to form.

Another day, another round of looking for odd jobs to keep body and soul together. -.- It's better now than when John first started at least, he's gotten used to approaching folks at random to ask for work and they've gotten used to the idea that there's this guy around who can save them some trouble in exchange for a few rupees. Still, it's wearisome having to _hunt_ for employment all the time.

"I'm tellin' ya Johnny-boy, ya oughta just sign up wi' the castle guard," Scruvo remarks, guessing John's thoughts. "Gals love a chap in armor."

John rolls his eyes, trying to remember how many times they've had this conversation already. "And what do you think will happen when they ask about past experience and references? 'I was part of the army in the Dukedom of Loranis until I was banished for insubordination.'" e.e

"Cor blimey, an' you think _I_ take liberties in recountin' stories! At least I add stuff IN instead of leavin' all th'good parts out! Tell y'wot, why don't I tell 'em wot happened an' then you can just shoot down the embellishments, that'll get th'full story across AND show 'em you're humble ab--CRIKEY, INCOMIN'!!!"

John dives for the nearest cover, the corner of a building. He hears a dirt-spraying impact followed by an explosion, accompanied by a brief flash brightening the surroundings. After a moment, he straightens up against the wall and takes a peek around the corner, assessing the situation and looking for casualties and at-risk civilians. &gt;.&gt; Maybe nobody's _paying_ him to be a soldier, but the trained response doesn't stop to think about things like that.

In the distance, between the mountaintops, glides a yellow object. It takes note of the strange object that just flew into the town. The young messenger Rito swoops down on the town to take a closer look.

Not too far from the town, a royal guard sees the fog and hurries to ensure everybody is safe. Upon seeing the fog, Kagetora stops before he reaches it. He is aware of what will happen if he touches it... and frowns.

"Everybody, step back! Do not touch the fog!" He warns lifting his arms, stopping any villagers that attempt to approach the area.

The young yellow bird was near the fog but perched slightly above it on a stone chimney. He hops down to the roof and asks the soldier, “What is happening?”

Kagetora looks up to see the Rito while he tries to block people from entering the town. “This fog contains dark magic and is similar to that in Castle Market Town. Those who touch it will be cursed and turned into poes. Please warn everyone to stay away!”

The young Rito squawks in affirmation to the warrior's command, and then hops a few times before taking flight over the town. He begins to call out, "Beware! Beware! Everyone abandon the village! Avoid the fog!"

Ohhhhhjoy. &gt;~&lt; John pushes off from the wall and runs over to the building's door, yanking it open. "ANYBODY IN HERE, GET OUT FAST!!! THERE'S A POISON FOG FILLING THE TOWN!!!" John of course actually doesn't know if the fog _is_ poisonous, but it's a decent assumption based on the bird-man telling people to avoid it and it gets across the desired action quick and easy. A few confused townsfolk come tumbling out, including an old man with more wisdom than speed. U~U; John grabs his arm and throws it over his shoulders, trying to hasten his hobble toward the edge of town.

Meanwhile, the resident sky-watcher who's always hanging out on that roof is still rubbing his eyes from witnessing that sudden bright beam come down from Death Mountain. :dizzy_face: By the time his vision clears, the building he's on top of is already surrounded by fog, and it's starting to creep up the shingles toward him. He waves his arms up at Kanali. "HELP! I CAN'T GET DOWN!"

Over near Kagetora, a dog darts forward to bark and growl at the encroaching phenomenon. &gt;O A small girl runs after it, wrapping her arms around its neck and tugging fruitlessly. "No no Duke, get back!" &gt;n&lt;

Kanali pauses, catching a glimpse of the curious man that is standing on the roof. He looks around, watching the fog rise. He sees a woman holding a cucco and both are transformed immediately into orbs of light as the fog touches him.

"Oh no... this is terrible." the bird mutters under his breath.

"Hold on!! Stay away from the fog!" he shouts at the man on the roof as he hops up and takes flight, being careful to put some height between himself and the encroaching haze. He swoops down and grabs onto the man, already struggling to keep aloft, but says, "I got you! Hold on to me!"

At that, he kicks down on the roof to give himself a boost, breaking several roof tiles in the effort and sending them tumbling into the fog. Kanali takes flight with the man and attempts to carry him to safety, although his piloting skills are rough with the added weight.

Kanali crashes off to the side with the man, away from the fog. "Quick! Run away from the fog!" He dusts himself off, then picks himself up and flies back to the rooftops to see if he can spot anybody else.

Kagetora moves quickly through the edge of the fog, intercepting the small girl and her dog before they can get any closer. He drops to a knee just long enough to steady her, guiding both back with firm but careful hands.

“Stay with the others,” he says, voice calm but urgent. “Do not approach the fog under any circumstance.”

Rising immediately, his gaze looks around the village. He tracks the spreading fog, the panicked movement, the flashes of light where people vanish into it. “This is the same phenomenon reported in Castle Town,” he calls out to those nearby. "Everybody, fall back now! Move to higher ground and keep distance between yourselves and the fog!”
He pauses only briefly, weighing the situation—then the decision is made.

He turns toward the direction of the road leading out of Kakariko, expression resolute. “I need to inform the castle,” he says, more to those who can hear than anyone in particular. “The Princess must know at once.”

Without hesitation, he breaks into motion, moving swiftly and silently along the outer edges of the village, leaving the evacuation in capable hands. He needs to carry the warning now.

Kanali watches Kagetora and hears him. He checks on the man he just helped one last time, then says, "Sorry, I must go. Please keep people away from the fog."

He jumps into the air and takes flight, catching up to Kagetora. "Sir!" he calls out from above. "Sir!. There is a similar fog near the castle. I can help you get the message to the castle if you want."

heads for the stairs leading up to the gate to Death Mountain with his burden. &gt;_&lt;; As they make it up the first flight and turn toward the north exit, the old man glances down worriedly and sees the spreading fog rising up to the ledge they just surmounted. &gt;.&gt;; "J-just leave me, we won't make it--" "Save it!" John snaps, tightening his grip on the man's arm. They stumble forward together, walking a deadly tightrope between going too slow and losing even more time by pushing too hard and falling down. Fortunately, the higher the fog goes, the more space it has to spread out in, so it moves outward slower...but it's definitely creeping along the ground behind them now.

In fact, it's also coming from their right. &gt;.&gt;; John watches tendrils form along the second set of stairs, cutting them off. Well, just have to hope they can hold their breath and withstand a little--

"Up here!" The gate guard kneels on the ledge on the left side of the stairs, holding his arms out urgently. o_o John quickly leans the old man against the wall, then crouches down and wraps his arms around his thighs. With a grunt of effort, he lifts the man upward. The guard grabs hold of the old man's arms and pulls from above. With the weight partially relieved, John switches hold and grabs the old man's feet, pushing him the rest of the way up just as the fog closes in around him.

After a tense moment of blindly following the wall to mount the stairs with eyes closed and breath held, John turns around and chances a peek. -xo The fog appears to be paused in its ascent, coming no higher than midway up the stairs. Whatever was releasing it must be running out. John exhales and trudges over to the old man and the guard. "Whew...that was a close one."

The old man doesn't look around. "He should've saved himself," he says sorrowfully. "He had so much life still ahead of him." v_v

John gives a short-breathed guffaw. "Hey, I think I'm gonna be okay. Stop moaning." X)

The guard peers cautiously over the ledge. "He just...disappeared. I can see the ground below us through the fog, but I can't see _him_. It's like it _dissolved_ him." o.o;

John furrows his brow. "Hey, I'm over here! Behind you!" John goes to put a hand on the guard's shoulder -- and it passes right through. o.o;