The Legend Of Zelda Fan Fiction ❯ Gerudo Forest ❯ Chapter 55 ( Chapter 55 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Three days had passed and Impa stayed true to her promise. She still seemed perturbed by Ganon's presence, but she no longer started fights. She even started eating meals with them, no longer cooking a separate dinner. Nabooro took notice of the change, but whether Impa told her the reason, Melissa didn't know. They now stood on a hill, as the sun was setting, overlooking Kakariko Village. “What have they done?!?!?” Impa asked mortified at the state of her village. It looked almost as bad as the last village they had passed, only there were still people here. An attempt to repair had been halted because Agahnim had apparently taken over the city with monsters. Stalfos guards patrolled the streets and people skirted around them giving the skeletons a wide birth. Melissa was surprised the villagers were brave enough to come out with such horrors walking about, but the monsters didn't seem to have any interest in the villagers. Melissa figured they were more of a deterrent for a rescue mission, as well as to keep the inhabitants from rebelling. “It's going to be difficult to sneak in with all those monsters patrolling the streets.” Ganon observed. “You want to sneak in? Why not just face them head on?” Nabooro questioned unsheathing her twin blades, with a wicked smile. “Because, we don't know how many there are. Be sure there are more than the handful you see in the village.” Ganon replied. There seemed to be something else on his mind though. “Do you sense him?” He whispered to Melissa. He must of meant Agahnim. She reached out and to her relief felt nothing. “All clear.” she whispered back. “That's good.” he said with a meager smile. Even with that smile, he had looked a little disappointed at her news. Melissa shook her head. He really did want a fight, but he was either being cautious for her or had wanted to take the wizard by surprise. Nabooro frowned noticing the exchange between the two. “We need to disguise ourselves.” Ganon said a little louder, now to everyone. “And why would I need to disguise myself in my own village?” Impa replied sounding a little cross. Melissa gave the sage a look and Impa scowled remembering her promise. “Fine whatever.” the sage grumbled. Ganon smirked as he dismounted, but the sage didn't notice. “Did you pack something with which to disguise yourself?” Ganon asked, holding out his hand to help Melissa down. “Well I bought a cloak and I brought your spare clothes.” Melissa answered with a nod, before taking his hand to disembark. “Good girl.” he grinned ruffling her hair. “Hey!” she protested, furiously trying to straighten it back out. Opening her bag, he rummaged through till he found his clothes. He gave her a teasing wink, before turning to walk to the nearest group of trees. She watched Ganon longingly as he disappear, almost wishing to follow. What was she doing? She needed to keep her head in the game. Ganon would probably find it amusing, but she didn't need to be distracted at a time like this. “You okay?” Nabooro asked when Melissa just stood staring in the direction he had vanished. Melissa blushed and quickly turned to rummage through her bag. She didn't want either sage to see her embarrassment. She pulled out her cloak. It didn't feel cold enough to be wearing something like this yet, but it was the only thing she had to cover her face. She put it on and pulled the hood up. Nabooro and Impa donned similar garments. Hopefully no one would be curious enough to try and peek at their faces. Ganon returned shortly and packed his armor away. Impa and Nabooro both looked shocked at his new appearance. Melissa thought, Nabooro being gerudo, would have known he could do this, but her mouth hung open. Ganon just ignored them coming to Melissa. “It suits you.” he smiled adjusting her hood till her face was completely hidden. “It suits me because no one can see me?” she asked confused. “That's not what I meant.” he frowned. “ I... It...” He scratched his head trying to think of what to say. He was just trying to give a compliment and she had made it more complicated than need be. She grabbed his face and gave him a small peck. “Thank you.” she said shyly glad her face was still covered. He looked confused, but smiled after a second. “Are you going to leave your hair like that?” Melissa asked, realizing he still wore his head piece. “I guess not, but my hair will only get in the way if a fight arises.” He responded taking it down hesitantly. “I can fix that.” Melissa smiled pulling out a hair tie from her bag. She walked behind him and brushed her fingers through his hair, before proceeding to braid it. She was quite proud of how it had turned out. “That's a good style for you.” Melissa giggled as he turned around. “Then why do you laugh at me?” He asked folding his arms with a skeptical look. Nabooro coughed and Melissa couldn't tell if it was to cover a laugh of her own or to get his attention. “So what's the plan?” the sage smirked when he glared at her. “Should we wait till the sun goes down completely?” Impa shook her head. “If the plan is to sneak, it would be best to do it before the sun is down completely. Stalfos can't see well in light, but in the dark, even these cloaks wouldn't fool them.” Impa knew a lot about these creatures. Even their weaknesses. Well she wasn't the Shadow Temple sage for nothing. “Well the sun isn't going to last for much longer. Do you think we can make it to the temple before it sets?” Melissa asked, not seeing anything that resembled a temple in the village below. “The entrance is near the back of the village, in a drained well. It might be best to wait till morning.” Impa replied as she pointed at a spot near the graveyard. “Then I guess we should camp.” Ganon said thoughtfully. “I know a place we can stay for the night. We should be able to make it there with no problem and it has running water. I don't know about anyone else but I could use a bath. Plus there are warm beds.” Impa said looking tired of camping. Melissa and Nabooro both perked up at that news. She knew she could really use a bath. Ganon on the other hand didn't look thrilled. “Please can we go there! Please! Please!” Melissa pleaded with puppy dog eyes. “You already went through the trouble of getting changed. It would be a waist if we didn't.” Nabooro smirked. “Well I can at least be clean when we face the undead.” “When did you become so soft Nabooro?” Ganon asked jokingly. “ There's nothing wrong with a little hygiene. You should try it some time. It might make you a little more bearable.” Nabooro poked back. “My hygiene is fine.” He grumbled to himself, making Melissa laugh. He glared at her making Melissa feel guilty. She had to admit he did keep pretty clean. It was just harder to do so when traveling. “Looks like your out numbered.” Impa grinned, happy with her win. “Women!” Ganon exclaimed rolling his eyes. “Fine lead the way.” He sighed throwing his hands in the air. They mounted and now Impa took the lead. Melissa was quite nervous as they approached the village entrance. She held tight to Ganon as she peaked out from under her hood. A rather big Stalfos stood at the entrance. It was covered in armor and Melissa wondered if it was really necessary. Had the creature died in it? Surely there were no vital organs that had need of protection. It turned it's head as they passed and the noise of it sounded like the grinding of gravel. Though its eye sockets were empty something made them glow red. It was quite unnerving. Melissa shut her eyes and held her breath just waiting to be caught, but nothing happened. Opening her eyes she peaked around Ganon. They had made it in. “One down.” Nabooro whispered under her breath, as the horses trotted slowly so not to draw attention. Melissa didn't want to think about how many they were going to see, as well as the monsters that would be in wait for them at the temple. A hush hung over the town. Birds refused to sing, there was no sound of children at play, and even the sounds of daily life were muted somehow. Melissa noticed a lot of people watched them pass from windows. So there were some too scared to come out. “How much further?” Ganon asked in a hushed tone. “The house is just around the corner.” Impa whispered back as another Stalfos passed by them. This seemed way too easy. She could tell the rest of the party seemed to feel the same way. Then again, maybe the wizard was just that confident in his recent spells, that he didn't think they would make it this far so soon. Impa stopped at an unassuming looking building that looked to barely have survived the destruction. It had one of those doors with a small window. Dismounting Impa knocked three times on the door. The window cover slid open revealing a pair of green eyes. “Who's there and what is your business?” A male's voice asked. Impa tilled her hood back a little so that who ever was at the door could see her face. “It's you! Hold on just a second.” The man said excitedly shutting the window. The door swung open and a man who looked to be in his 40's stepped out. He had short blond hair and a mustache. He looked familiar, but Melissa couldn't quite place him. He hugged Impa like they were old friends. He then noticed her companions. “I have questions, but they can wait till you and your friends are settled.” The man whispered. “I will be in as soon as we put the horses up. Just have the back door open.” Impa replied pulling her hood back up. “Wait!” Ganon called, as the man went to go back in. “Please take her with you.” Ganon grabbed Melissa's arm before she could even protest. Lifting her up he set her on the ground, handing her bag to her. He could see that she was upset that he was leaving her with a stranger, even if it was for a few minutes. “It is safer this way.” Ganon said giving her a stern look. Melissa opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the man putting his hand on her shoulder. It made her uncomfortable. “She will be safe with me.” the man said before steering her back to the building. Melissa could only glance back as she was being led away. Ganon gave her a reassuring smile before the man shut the door and bolted it shut. Inside looked cozier than she would have thought. There seemed to be one main room with a few walls that served as vague separators. A stair case in the corner went to an upper layer. On the far wall a fire place was lit giving the place a homey feel. By the fire place was a table and around it three others sat. The first to catch her eye was woman in armor. She had jet black hair that seemed to be in pigtails and her brownish red eyes held an intensity in them. On the woman's right was a young bookish looking man with messy brown hair and glasses. He was thumbing through a book unaware of the new company. On the the left an older gentleman who looked to be wearing a weird green and tan jumpsuit. He leaned back in his chair watching as they approached. Why did this seem so familiar? “Please, sit.” her guide encouraged pulling out a chair. Melissa stood there hesitantly. “My name is Rusl. What's yours?” the man smiled encouragingly. She knew that name. He was the character from Ordon Village. So the others must be the characters who were part of the resistance against Zant in “Twilight Princess.” Melissa slid her hood back and bowed introducing herself. She felt a little better now that she had figured out who these people were. “Well it's nice to meet you.” Rusl bowed back. “This is Auru, Ashei, and Shad.” the man gestured to each in order so she could know who was who. “ Hi.” Melissa said with a shy wave. Auru nodded, Ashei studied her, and Shad didn't even remove his nose from the book in front of his face. Well this felt awkward. “So, you are traveling with Impa? We thought her missing or worse. What happened?” Rusl started. “She was with Impa?” Ashei asked standing up quickly. “She should be in the barn by now.” Rusl said scratching his head. And with that information the girl shot out of the room through a back door. “I swear that girl sometimes.” Auru said shaking his head. “Uh... what was that all about?” Melissa asked confused. “Oh that? Impa saved little Ashei's life and since then they have been really close friends. When Impa went missing no one was more worried than her.” Rusl explained. Melissa stared at the door the girl had disappeared through hoping Ganon would walk through at any moment. She knew he could handle a stalfos no problem, but it didn't make her worry less. “So, do you know what happened? Last we had saw of Impa she was going to escort a couple kids through the temple. The thing is she never returned and a day later the Igos Du Ikana invaded.” “I think it is best Impa told you her story. Wait... what are the Igos Du Ikana?” Melissa asked not recognizing the name. “Actually it's more of a who. Igos is the king of the stalfos you see patrolling our streets.”Shad finally spoke up. The boy snapped his book shut and Melissa could tell she was in for a history lesson. “Igos Du Ikana is an ancient king cursed to roam the land along with his army.” “Why was he cursed?” Melissa asked curious. “Well the story isn't too specific, but they say he was a king that went quite mad.” Auru spoke up. “He began to invade neighboring kingdoms, killing anyone who stood in his way. Women, children, innocent, and guilty alike. It didn't matter. The goddesses tried to intervene, but the king struck up a deal with a dark power. No one knows it's name anymore, but it even rivaled the power triforce. Igos and his soldiers are now what you see today. They can not die, but they no longer live. No one knows what drove him to do such acts.” “At least no one alive anyway.” Shad finished for Auru. “Some say it was common greed. Others say it was a women.” At that Impa walked in all smiles. She was closely followed by Ashei and Nabooro, but where was Ganon? “Impa!” Auru said getting up to greet the sage. “I take it you have held the fort down.” The sage smiled. “We have done the best we can. The monsters say they are not going to impede our daily life as long as we do as they say.” Auru said crossing his arms. “I don't see Renado. Has anyone been hurt?” Impa asked looking worried. “Renado is fine. He was injured in the initial invasion, but his daughter Luda is taking care of him.” Ashei spoke up. “Some of the villagers tried to help him and were also wounded. Dr. Borville has been looking after them. He says they will make a full recovery.” Impa nodded. “I have much to tell you, but right now my friends are in need of a good meal and if possible a warm bath.” “Of course!” Rusl said. “Romani! Cremia!” he called. A young child and a girl that looked about Melissa's age came out of what looked to be a kitchen area. Both had long red hair and looked to be sisters. “Yes sir?” asked the little girl arriving first. “Ah, Romani could you please run some water and fill the tub?” Rusl asked sweetly. “Okay!” the girl said all smiles, before running off. Rusl then turned to who must be Cremia. “We are going to have a few extra mouths to feed tonight.” The girl frowned. “Well I guess there will be enough. As long as Auru doesn't go back for seconds we should be good.” “A man has to eat.” Auru said in defense. Most of the group laughed, but Melissa was more worried by Ganon's absence. “Where is he?” Melissa whispered coming to stand next to Nabooro. “Huh? Oh! He's out scouting the area. He said for me to tell you to stay put and that he would be back shortly.” Nabooro said answered back dismissively. Stay put? That would be no problem. With those walking skeletons outside, she would be too scared to go anywhere without back up. “Bath is ready!” Romani said coming back down the stairs. “Who's first?” “You want to go first?” Melissa asked Nabooro eying the back door, hoping for any sign of Ganon returning. “Nah, you go first. I want to help Impa fill them in on what has been happening.” Nabooro smiled, before pushing Melissa towards the little girl. “This way please.” the girl said grabbing her hand, leading her up the stairs.