Live Your Own Story in Hyrule

The shadow beasts continue their unrelenting attack while the boat bobs gently down the river, the bells still chiming. The beasts, in their wild ferfor clamor onto the boat, some falling into the depths, others jumping off the walls and of those that fly, swooping down terror on the passengers. There is no rhythm or direction to their attacks, only visceral aggression for those on board.

Spears run through some bodies, boomerangs shock and stun, and shields drive back the creatures. Arrows fly every which way, piercing and pinning, yet for every creature dispatched, two and three take their place. The sheer number of them seemingly causing the boat to creak under their weight.

Wolf Link gives a slight nudge to Irina to tell her he is okay. He dives out at shadow beasts as they appear, grabbing some and flinging them off of the boat. It is quite crowded now and he is a big beast himself, so he can't maneuver easily, but he jumps up and over beasts, and around Mipha and the others on the boat, not relenting in his assault.

Translation available: Wolf

Irina touches wolf Link's head to acknowledge his response, and that's the last thing she remembers before the chaotic battle grows around her. All she sees are beasts and friends attacking, flying, jumping, biting. She falls to the floor several times and tries to get up to attack as quickly as possible, but the movement of the boat makes it very difficult. There are some beast attacks that also draw blood from her - and she notices the stings only after they have happened.

She thinks she has seen Mipha in the commotion and hears Link through the charm, but looks at him as if she's trying to figure out what he said.

Revali attempts to prioritize the flying ones, finding himself very creeped out for the lack of a head they contain. Whatever that...sheared stub was that counted for one was offputting. He fired off arrows at the one before him while another came up behind and latched hold to flip him further into the air and disorient him. He tried to recover when another came by and repeated the process. "Oh, you must think I'm some kind of toy!"

When they tried it one more time, he lined up a shot against the one that tossed him as he tumbled through the air and fired off an arrow to knock it down a peg. He then used his gale to burst away from the other one and slam it down on to the deck.

Red stayed on the deck, although that was getting inceasingly more difficult with the way the boat moved. Maybe he should go into the air, after all. The shots he lined up and fired were narrowly missing their targets as he was having trouble accomodating for the waving. He took off into the air and started to rain down arrows on the beasts, taking care to fire at those he felt were getting a bit too close to his companions.

Mipha was far more accustomed to this kind of movement being a zora. The rolling of the boat was very similar to swimming across water. With that, she was afforded some clarity in this fight. While she was busy keeping the creatures at bay, she noticed her trident was a bit more sharper than usual at the bottom.

"Oh! I had nearly forgotten about this! I could have very well stabbed my foot if I didn't see it in time. Or worse." She searched among the throngs of creatures for Gatu.

"Gatu! I believe this belongs to you!" She unsecured the spear head from the haft of her weapon and rolled it across the deck towards him. "Your spear! We managed to free it from the ice before we left!"

Rome was with Mipha when the bells rung. He cursed under his breath while they ran to board the boat. When Mipha leaps onto the boat, Rome follows suit and Dashes through the air, landing on the boat with a roll. He stood back up slowly, drawing his blade as tooth and blade clashed all around him. He quickly assesses the situation before leaping into action, Dashing towards a group and flicking the spin switch on his sword as he rotates it with a flick of the wrist, using the ice end of his blade in an attempt to freeze a few.

_Gatu picks up his Moblin Spear that Mipha was able to recover._ "Thanks Mipha! I'll make sure that, if we survive this, I'll whip up something extra tasty and delicious for you with my Cooking Pot!" _Gatu hollered over amongst the fighting on the deck here with the shadow beasts. He stabs and pierces several shadow creatures to destroy them in puffs of spoke upon defeat with his retrieved Moblin Spear, whilst also using his Boomerang primarily as his off-hand weapon since he's run out of some arrows after firing them through some particularly bigger nastier shadow beings to kill them with headshots. At this point, he was working up a sweat a bit, but nothing he can't handle._

The creatures come in endless waves, but the boat itself shows no signs of slowing down, as if being carried by a separate force of its own. It lowers into the river, but shows no signs of sinking. The shrieking and howling echoes against the walls surrounding the ferry. More creatures climb aboard picking up from where their fallen left off.

Yet, in a sea of darkness, light still manages to break through. In this temple of illusions, one of these beasts can See the Truth.

"I expect a lot of fish after we're done here!" Mipha joked in reply while hooking and slamming some of the creatures. She was trying to minimize damage as much as possible, but she wasn't sure how long she could maintain that goal. "I was told that these creatures hold the key to getting us out of this! I just don't know which. There are three in total!" She communicated with the group as a whole.

It's hard to remember your objective when you are fighting monster after monster and trying to keep each other alive. And Irina had focused on doing that, so it was good that Mipha reminded them.

In a small pause after hearing the princess, Irina looks around at the enemies, panting, trying to look for some that may be different in some way… even though she does not know what to look for.

Twinrova was busy floating along with the ship, minding any shadow beasts that got too close. She watched some jump and swipe at the air beneath her, trying to reach her. Others managed to climb up the back of the ship and leap onto her slippers. She flicks her fire wand towards one and sets a fire over its entire body.

The others she aims her ice wand down and flash freezes the deck under their feet, leaving a collection of frozen sculptures beneath her. "You all don't seem keen to survive this trip. Not with the way you're fighting," she remarks.

While everyone's busy fighting, there's distant hookshot noises going off in the distance that are catching up at regular intervals. A couple seconds after Twinrova's ice attack connects, it looks like a good-sized fireball crashes into the deck in the middle of the frozen statues. Said fireball takes out the closest statues, but the person that stands up from the center after a split-second starts throwing fire chains to take out the remaining statues.

The beasts maintain their assault, seeking to whittle down the opponents and extinguish any fight they have in them. Yet, there are a select few that don't fight, but observe. Shadow beasts surround them wherever they crawl or fly. With each passing of a beast, a pale, blue glow fades in and out on its form, hiding the light among the ranks of shadow.

"Tell you what, I'll think of a surprise and it'll be on the house." Fallon replies to Saria, jotting down 'surprise' and circling it. "Okay, that ought to take care of things and--" her head lowers to see her little one at the table. "Play? That is what you are offering after they have just arrived?" She smiles, giving way to the table so they can all take off. "Of course, they wouldn't say no to that offer."

She chuckles and clears the milk and water cups while she determines what would be good for them to eat. "Make sure you stay close by!!" She called out to them, ensuring her voice could be heard through and beyond the door.

"Okay, now what to feed to them... Perhaps some cuccoo tenders. I think that'll be good. Side of greenery and that ought to cover it."

That in mind, she quickly heads to the kitchen to drop off the glasses and put the order in. She then hustles towards the exit so she could watch them and wait for the order to finish.

"Okay Mommy!" Naomi says as she follows the other two, her brain immediately filing the instruction under 'Things that have been responded to and thus require no further thought'.

Out in the field, Naomi spreads her arms to the others. "So what should we play? How abouuuuuuuut" (points at Aio) "you're the heroic knight," (points at Saria) "you're the pretty princess," (points at self) "and I'M the ferocious dragon?" >:) Naomi raises her hands high like claws and stomps dramatically toward Saria. "IIIIII'M GOING TO EEEEAAAT YOOOOUUUUU!" >:O

Aio stares at Naomi blankly. He clearly didn't understand her. He wonders why this girl is threatening the other girl.

As he doesn't quite understand the rules of the game, he does the same and chases after Saria, holding his hands up like a dragon as well. He calls out "Raaawr!" and something unintelligible in his language.

Saria lets out a scream as both come after her and laughs, running. She looks at Aio and points at Naomi without stopping. "Attack HER, not me! We are the good guys! Dragon! Dragon! " She repeats, hoping to teach Aio a new word.

Aio begins chasing after Naomi, too, and calls her by what he thinks is probably her name, "Dragon! Dragon!"

Fallon opens the door and is immediately met with screaming and shouts of a dragon. She hurries outside, checking the sky and surroundings to see if one had suddenly popped up. Thankfully, there was no such creature and further processing allowed her to realize they were just playing out here. Of course, that's what they intended to do in the first place, but flashbacks of moldugas and spiders said otherwise. Briefly, anyway.

So, she heads back towards the walls of the inn and leans against them, watching them play and enjoy life for the time being. A refreshing change of scenery to what she knows lies beyond.

Naomi blinks at the swift derailment of her CAREFULLY CRAFTED FANTASY WORLD. o.O; At least Saria seems to get the idea and is trying to explain it to Aio -- but it looks like he still thinks _he's_ a dragon. Okay, well, maybe he can be a knight AND a dragon! Like some kind of...dragon man!

<https://i.redd.it/xcbi8yj0nhv81.jpg>

"Ummm...OHNOES IT IS THE DRAGONBORN! BUT YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT ME UNLESS YOU FIND THE, ummm, MAGICAL HELMET OF RAINBOW FLAMES! IT IS IN, ummmmmmmmmm...aaaaaa SECRET PLACE THAT--THAT ONLY THE ROYAL FAMILY KNOWS ABOUT!" Yeah, Naomi is totally engaging in AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION and not dumping her DM responsibilities on Saria. n.n

Those were a lot of words and Aio understood none of them! He continues to chase Dragon and shouts her name. He giggles with excitement as the air and sun and open space combine to create a volatile reaction of fun.

As the screams of the children echo through the field outside of the Wolfos, a tall imposing Gerudo woman cuts the horizon perpendicularly. She holds a spear and walks in a relaxed pace but with a serious expression. The expression softens when she sees the children playing, particularly the boy.

She stops and observes them by the stables outside of the inn.

Saria laughs and nods, pointing at Noemi! "Yes! Catch the dragon!"

Seeing Risa arrive, Saria hmms, touching her chin with a finger. She approaches Risa and Fallon and brings her hands to her back. "Excuse me, I have a question."

"As you know, Aio is living in the Kokiri Forest now. Do you know of any grown-ups that may help us build a treehouse for him?"

Risa crouches down to become eye-level with the forest child. She rests her elbow on her knee and says, "A treehouse?" She thinks, and says, "Sweetie, I am from the desert. I don't know much about trees. But I will find someone who can help."

Fallon laughed to herself. Of all the things Naomi could've been, a dragon...born was not one she expected. Yet, she could appreciate her imagination. Those bedtime stories must've sounded far more spectacular to her than she'd thought.

Spotting movement in the distance, she looked towards it and found it was a friendly face upon closer inspection. She smiled as Risa approached, acknowledging her presence with a nod.

With Saria now approaching, she then pondered her question, "You need help with one, hm? Well, I'm not much of a builder, but I can assist in whatever way I can. I'll have to ask my husband if he has any suggestions or ideas. All else fails, I could just read about trees and houses and then attempt to replicate it."

Saria grins, her hands on her back while she listens to them. "You are big and strong women, so I knew you could help! Thank you." With this, she goes back to playing with her friends.

GUUUHHHH!!! &gt;_&lt;; Being a DM is so FRUSTRATING! You put in all this work to give the players an intricate world to interact with, and they just want to be MURDER HOBOS that solve every problem by charging at it swords waving! "Okay, fine! TAG, YOU'RE IT!" Naomi shouts to Aio. Then she turns and dashes away.

_-OOC- QUIET 9s, A 10 IS SPEAKING._

*The Evil King is surveying his dark kingdom from some precipice, watching the creatures and monsters he cultivated scuffle among themselves.*

"Boring."

*He is impatiently waiting for Edu, who he summoned at his whim and no care for whatever the Twili might have been involved with.*

Edu had received a summons from his supreme overlord, whom he so desires to please. Riding on top of a guardian, he quietly sits until the guardian arrives at his master’s throne, in which the guardian leans forward to allow Edu to slide off, landing on his feet only to kneel on one knee in front of him, bowing his head.

“Lord Ganondorf… I have come, just as you asked!”

The spider whispers while the grown folks start talking, "A spider's name cannot be enunciated by your species' tongue. But you may call me Belinda." She hides back into the shadows.

"That is a pleasant name." Artifa whispers back, also deciding to just tuck herself away someplace nice and unquiet. She gets the distinct feeling there's no real peace to be found down here, so a nearby boulder will just have to do.

*A grunt is all Edu is graced with, as Ganondorf continues to stare over the Depths before he finally glances over his shoulder.*

"You did well draining that overgrown puddle."

*The waters of Lake Hylia are now a raging, roaring river; seeking to carve a bed for itself or an exit. It drowned the weakest and slowest of the Depths' denizens to the Gerudo king's amusement.*

"New job for you: Take this."

*Ganondorf holds a crystal in his hand that he sends to hover in front of Edu. Artifa would recognize it, as it was integral to her test to gain entry to his domain.*

*It vibrates before splitting up into 4 identical copies still hovering in front of the kneeling figure.*

Artifa definitely recognizes those crystals. She didn't even know more were going to be used. This was going to be fascinating to watch unfold and keep record of.

Darkness thickens along one of the jagged stone structures overlooking the gathering. It does not move. It simply exists — heavier than the surrounding gloom.

If one were to look long enough, they might notice the faint suggestion of a figure leaning against the structure — arms loosely folded, one shoulder resting against stone that seems to absorb her rather than support her. Red eyes glimmer once in the dim, observing.

Dark Irina says nothing. She does not step forward, does not interfere with Ganondorf’s commands, does not acknowledge Artifa’s quiet fascination.

She watches the spider, the scholar, the summoned dark guy, and the splitting crystals, and a faint curl of a smile touches her lips.

The shadows around her remain still, as if unaware she was ever there at all.

The spider's laser eye catches the glow of the crystals. Pretty. Her hind legs rub silently with excitement.

Edu glances up at the praise from his master. How exhilarating this was! He was actually being recognized for his efforts, which brought a smile to his face.

_New job..?_ Edu wondered internally, before a crystal is sent floating to him. Edu reaches out to grab it before it splits into 4, a small gasp escaping Edu’s lips. “Yes, Lord Ganondorf.” The words slip from him out of habit, before he reaches again, attempting to grab one of the four crystals.

*Turning slightly so the Twili is more in sight, Ganondorf gives a slow cruel grin.*

"Set these up. Wherever, whenever. When you do, the only thing I want ... Is to make sure it hurts as many people as possible."

*He chuckles deep in his chest.*

"I'm sure you'll all enjoy the results when they've all gone off."

A low chuckle rattles in Edu’s chest as a massive grin stretches across his face. He quickly gathers the crystals, and bows once more to his master. “I'll get right to it!” He shouts, stumbling backward as he raises up from his kneel, however he manages to clean it up with a nice spin that would have looked really cool if he wore a cape. Unfortunately he did not. He hops back on the head of his guardian. “I'll get started on my work right away, m’Lord.”

Dark Irina just rolls her eyes and scratches the side of her neck idly, looking a bit bored now.

"That kind of excitement is admirable for such a daunting task. I almost died from mine and it wasn't even the crystal that was the most concerning..." Artifa remarked to herself while peering over the boulder.

"I'm sure he'll do fine."

*The Gerudo male shrugs lazily, acknowledging Artifa's words as he opens a portal to his next destination;*

"Either the job gets done or he dies."

*Ganondorf disappears into the magic, leaving the question if the bomb or the Evil King himself would be the cause of Edu's death.*