The Legend Of Zelda Fan Fiction ❯ Legend of Zelda: Chosen of Destiny ❯ Light of the Forest ( Chapter 5 )

 

 

 

 

 

Azalea sat beside the hospital bed with tears pouring from her eyes. Her best friend was lying in that hospital bed. Time and time again Azalea had blamed herself for Sumina being in that bed. “It was all my fault. If I had gotten up sooner Sumina wouldn't be in here. Now because of me she's going to die.” Azalea said sorrowfully.

 

“That's not going to happen Azalea. Sumina will pull through just fine. I just want to know what happened to Sumina to put her in a hospital bed.” Link picked Azalea up and held her tightly. He thought it would be better if Azalea had left the room for a bit. The sight of her best friend in a hospital bed was far too gloomy for her. “Excuse me nurse? I there someplace I can take my friend to get something to eat?”

 

Nurse Saiyuri pointed out a way to the way to the hospital cafeteria. “There's chicken parmesan tonight. Go on down and enjoy it.” Link thanked Saiyuri and took Azalea down to the cafeteria. When they arrived, Link sat her down and brought their food. Even though he tried persuading her, Azalea refused to eat anything. “I'm not hungry Junichi. I don't want any food.”

 

“You have to eat something Azalea.”

 

Azalea shook her head and looked down at her food with an empty stomach and empty heart. “I saw her outside with Sumina, that woman. She said her name was Justia and something about a medallion. It was weird Junichi. She made the ground move like a wave in the ocean.” Azalea explained. Link gasped and turned his blue eyes down. No doubt it was Justia's work. He had to inform Azmara and Theorello but more importantly, had to make sure Azalea was safe. “Have you told anyone about this Azalea?”

 

“Not a soul. The police asked me about it and I told them that I was unconscious the entire time.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I don't know. The cops would never believe a woman could make the ground move but I saw it with my own eyes. I rather not be called a liar. I know what I saw and I know what's coming to Justia when I see her. She may have magic powers and stuff but I'm not scared to square off with her. I'll do it for my friend.”

 

Link nodded to Azalea. He admired her sense of loyalty but it was loyalty that would get her killed if she were to challenge Justia. He'd have to have Azalea placed into protection. And he knew just the person to turn to.

 

“Thanks again for agreeing Theo.”

 

“I don't mind. Your family's lives shouldn't be at stake. I'll take care of Azalea while you handle Justia.” Azmara hugged Theorello then turned to Link. They had to have a plan to stop Justia before she hurt any other innocent person. Sumina was only a child. No child's life should have been in the balance of their quest but still, the sages could have been only. It was only a matter of time before Justia struck again. They were losing time. “Azmara, you should go home and rest for a while.”

 

“R-right, Link lets go home. We'll bring Azalea over after school all right?”

 

“It's fine.”

 

Azmara followed Link outside and into Astrid's car. All was silent as they drove toward Azmara's house. It seemed that Azmara was as troubled as Azalea. Taking on hand off the wheel, Link laid it gently on Azalea's hand and held it tightly. “It won't happen again Azmara. I swore to protect you and I will do the same for Azalea. Theorello is powerful. He'll protect Azalea while we deal with Justia. Trust me, she won't go unpunished for her actions.” He swore to her. Even though Link meant good on his promise, Azmara still sensed anger in his voice. Something told her that Link had faced the same heartache of losing someone close to him. Perhaps it was Zelda that he lost. Maybe she was cursed into eternal sleep until Link came back. That was a heavy loss and he carried it in his heart every day. ::: I hope that Link will be reunited with Zelda. We've gotta hurry up with this mission. :::

 

The following day Azalea couldn't help but notice the rain was a symbolism. Like rain from the skies, tears fell from her face and down her chin. The images of what had happened the day before taunted her mind. Her sadness became hatred and he hatred raged uncontrollably. She wanted vengeance, she wanted Justia to suffer as she and Sumina had. To do so, she had to find her and challenge her to a duel. She didn't have magic but with her will power, she'd show her how it felt to be engulfed by pain. Putting on her rain coat, Azalea set out to find Justia. It was a big city but Azalea felt that she would walk the Earth to find her best friend's assailant. And so, Azalea set out into the city to find Justia. She walked through the rain looking through the streets and in department store before she found her at the Sakura Café. “Astrid works here. She might try to go after him or grandma. That wench!” Azalea stepped inside and was about to approach Justia but Astrid's grandmother came to her. “Azalea, it's very nice to see you dear.”

 

“Hello Mrs. Aori.”

 

“You may call me Hanogi. Azalea, I heard about what happened to your friend. You must be sorrowful. Come inside and I'll have Astrid bring us tea and coffee cakes.”

 

Hanogi Aori was Astrid's grandmother and owner of the Sakura Café. Her long gray hair was tied up in a bun with sticks pointing out. She had a sunny smile that would brighten anyone's mood even on a dreary day such as that one and her dimples were loved by all children. Hanogi was wise and loved to give out advice to the younger generation feeling that they needed elderly advice here and there. Now she felt it was the time to give advice once more. She knew exactly how Azalea was feeling. “I'll have Astrid bring my porcelain tea set. You just relax and listen to old Hanogi.”

 

“Miss Hanogi I don't think you're old. You're very wise and beautiful.”

 

“Thank you, being wise is always a good trait but it is bad when you don't lend your wisdom to others. Wisdom can be corrupt anyone if not expand it. I am going to give my wisdom to you Azalea. I know what happened to your friend is painful but you mustn't go seeking revenge. Pain for the cause of another pain is never the solution.” Hanogi told her. “Miss Hanogi, what do I do?”

 

“That is something for you to find out.”

 

Astrid set the tea down and winked to Azalea, giving her a smile. “Thank you Miss Hanogi. I'll go over to the hospital right now and stay with Sumi. Thank you and goodbye!” Azalea smiled and ran off to the hospital but she was intercepted by Justia. “You!!!”

 

“I wasn't happy to see you either you little twit. You want vengeance then take it. Don't let the words of a senile old fool like her stop you. If you want to fight then meet me in the park tonight at nine. I'll be there waiting for you.”

 

“You can bet your ass that I'll be there you Jezebel.”

 

“Hmph, call me what you will. In the end, mercy will be your last words when I'm through with you.”

 

Justia pushed past Azalea and walked down the street. Azalea lingered behind, watching her go. She would definitely go there but not for vengeance. She would defeat Justia in a duel and bring her to justice. Azalea narrowed her eyes and headed home. When she arrived, Azmara, Link and another man she'd never seen was pulling up behind her. “Get in.” Azmara said.

 

“Where are we going?”

 

“To a friend's house.”

 

Azalea got in back with Azmara and rode with them as they went to Theorello's apartment. When they arrived Azmara, Link and Theorello sat together around a table over hot chocolate and coffee. “We leave Azalea in your hands. We'll be back in two hours. It shouldn't take us that long to come back.” Azmara said. Azalea looked up from the couch and walked over to her sister. “Where are you going?”

 

“We have some business to take care of. Theo is going to stay here with you ok? Don't worry about a thing. Junichi and I will come back.” Azmara promised. She walked toward the door but Azalea grabbed her hand. Azmara turned to see her teary eyed sister holding her hand with a rough squeeze. “I don't know where you're going but if you run into Justia then be careful. She's superhuman or something. I don't want to lose you Azmara. Even though you're a pain in the ass at times but that never stopped me from loving you. You're my big sis and Junichi is my best friend. I love you guys and I don't want anything to happen to you.” Azalea said. Azmara squeezed Azalea's hand and Link sank down to his knees to hug the small girl. “You're my best friend Azalea. I promise I'll come back.”

 

“All right. I'll be here until you get back.”

 

Link nodded then turned to Azmara. They two left Theorello's apartment with Azalea standing at the door. She couldn't help but drop her head and try to fight off the tears. “They'll come back Azalea. Your sister and Junichi will definitely return. Mark my words.” Theorello assured her. Azalea turned around and there was Theorello, kneeling down in front of her. The handsome older man wiped away the tears from Azalea's face then disposed of the tissue. Before he returned to her, he looked out the window and at the night sky. There was no doubt that the Hero of Time and the Chosen of Destiny would triumph over Justia.

 

“So Navi says that the bitch is in there?”

 

“No mistake. Justia is in there. Don't ask why.”

 

Azmara snorted and walked ahead into the park where Justia was waiting. The game would end here and someone wasn't coming back alive. Harming innocent people was unacceptable and unforgivable. Justia would pay for her actions towards Sumina and the heartache she bestowed upon her sister. She walked deep into the park until she came to what had looked like an entrance to a maze. “It's an invitation.” Link said without taking his eyes off the entrance. Azmara only cocked her head at him and snorted again. “Well then, let's not be impolite.” She said as she entered the maze. They walked a few feet inside then heard the vines moving. The entrance had closed. “Tch, the witch is even more stupider than I thought. If I wanted to leave all I'd have to do is burn it. No matter, I don't intend on leaving until I have Justia's head on a silver platter.”

 

“Not very princess-like words. No matter, let's move.”

 

Link and Azmara raced through the maze to find Justia but the ground cracked and thorns shot at them. Link grabbed Azmara close and held onto her as they hid behind his shield. When the assault stopped, Azmara stepped out and burned the thorns with her flame. They continued onward then came across a huge tree in a dead end. The tree slapped Azmara aside with its branch and Link let down his guard. “Azmara!”

 

“Link watch out!!”

 

Azmara jumped in front of Link and held her hands up. Chanting the spell, Naryu's love surrounded them and blocked the tree's attack. While the barrier shielded them, Link prepared a fire arrow and launched it at the tree. When the tree burst into flames, the two moved on. Their fire attacks had cleared a path to the core of the maze. There, sitting in a huge tree, was Justia. “I see you're still alive after I sent my babies to destroy you. No matter, my precious darling here will ensure your demise. Kill them!”

 

The tree began to move on Justia's command and used its branches to smack at Link and Azmara. “Move!!” Azmara tackled Link out of the way then together, they rolled out of the way of the tree branches. Link helped Azmara and swung his sword at the branches. “Keep it up Link. Farore's Wind!”

 

Azmara disappeared into the wind and appeared behind Justia. She grabbed onto her and pushed her out of the tree but one of the branches caught her foot. While she hung there, Link jumped up and hit her upward with his Megaton hammer. Justia flew up and received a punch from Azmara, sending her back down. When the hit the ground, Link charged at her to finish her off but the tree branches caught him and pounded him against the ground. “Damnit! Hold on Link!!” Azmara called. She jumped down and charged her hand up with fire. She released the flames down on the tree branches and Link was set free but it was too late. Justia had returned back on her spot on the tree. Link and Azmara stood together with angry eyes. “Hard to believe we're losing to a tree. A tree!!!”

 

“Anything is possibly Azmara. Keep your guard up.”

 

“Uh huh.”

 

Justia chuckled down at Link and Azmara from where she sat. The two of them looked pathetic in their attempt to stop her. Soon they would fall and finding the medallions would be a breeze. “It's time to end this game.”

 

“No! It's just getting started!”

 

Justia, Azmara and Link turned around to see Azalea walking out of the path. She waved to Azmara and Link then came over to them. “How did you get in here?!?!” Azmara asked angrily.

 

“Yeah you could get hurt.” Link added.

 

“I snuck out of Theorello's apartment when he went to his room for something. I'm pretty sure he followed me but I saw the entrance close. All we gotta do is defeat Justia and-”

 

“There is no we Azalea. Get out of here before you get hurt!”

 

Justia narrowed her eyes and had her vines grab Azmara and Link. The vines wrapped around their wrists and held them together while Azalea watched. “Azmara! Junichi no!!! Justia let them go!!!” Azalea screamed. Justia snickered at Azalea's demand and commanded more vines to hold them with their thorn puncturing their bodies. The sound of her sister and friend's screams echoed throughout her head, the same way Sumina's did. “No!!! Put them back!!”

 

“Does this look familiar Azalea? The same way I did to your little friend. You're a feeble little girl. You were to weak to save Sumina and now your sister and friend will die. You get to watch their demise.” Justia said. Azalea dropped to her knees and covered her ears. “It's not true! I'm not weak!!! I can save Azmara!! I can save Junichi!! I may not have magic powers like you do but I have the strength to defeat you. It comes from my heart. I won't let them hurt you. You're my friends, I love you!!!”

 

Azalea ran toward Link and Azmara but stopped dead in her tracks with two tree branches shot out at her. “Azalea!!!”

 

“Ahhh!!!”

 

Suddenly, a green light shone and Azalea was engulfed in it. She floated in the light and looked around. “Where am I? Is this Heaven?”

 

“Of course not silly.”

 

Azalea saw a girl with green hair fly next to her and smile tenderly. “Who are you?”

 

“My name is Saria and you Azalea are the new Sage of the Forest. Your devotion to your friends has awakened your power and summoned me. You have a role in save your world as well as mine.” Saria explained. Azalea gasped then smiled. “Do I get special powers?”

 

“Of course. From this moment on, the Earth will move at your hands, flowers shall part ways when you walk. The Spirits of the forest will allow you to communicate with both your friends and the forest itself. But you must use it responsibly and cautiously. Will you do so?”

 

“Yes Saria. I promise I will.”

 

Saria smiled and held onto Azalea's hands. “Azalea Toyama, you are now the Sage of the Forest. You hold the power of the forest in your hands. Use it to protect your loved ones from evil.”

 

Azalea nodded and received the power then arrived back in front of the tree. She looked down at her hands and smiled. She could feel her new found power coursing through her. “I am a Sage. This is pretty cool.”

 

“Nooo!!! So you were the Sage of the Forest. Damnit, I'll take care of you right along with your little friends!”

 

“I don't think so Justia. The trees has a new master now and you will kneel before my power!!!”

 

The tree branches grabbed Justia and held her arms and feet. Though she struggled, she could not get away. Link and Azmara were set free and walked over to Azalea. She nodded to her big sister and her friend then held a green light in her hand. “This is for Sumina!!! Forest Cry!!!”

 

Azalea shot the green light at Justia and it dissolved her body. All that remained of her were her screams. “Whew, that was cool. Are you guys ok?” She asked.

 

“We're just fine Azalea. Let's just get out of her. Naryu's Love!”

 

Azmara's attack took them out of the maze and behind where Theorello was standing. He turned to the three friends and approached them. “You've defeated Justia.”

 

“Not us. The credit goes to Azalea.”

 

Theorello eyed the young girl then nodded his head in approval. “So you are the Sage of the Forest.” He said. Azalea hopped out of Link's arms and jumped up and down cheerfully. “I guess this makes me part of the team now. Happy to be aboard you guys. I promise not to tell a soul or use my powers unless I really have to.”

 

“That's what I want to hear. Now come on you monkey, let's get home.”

 

Azmara and Theorello walked ahead, leaving Azalea and Link behind. “I guess I can call you Link now huh?”

 

“Azalea…”

 

“You don't have to explain to me Link. You and Azmara were only trying to protect me. Now that's I'm apart of this team I'm going to return the favor. Here Link, this is yours.”

 

Link held out his hand and Azalea dropped a green medallion in his hand. He looked down at the medallion then back at Azalea. “This is more than a medallion, it's a symbol of our friendship as well. You and I will be friends forever.”

 

Link smiled to Azalea and took her hand, leading her out of the park and toward her house. Azalea was happy to be going home. Though she was the Sage of the Froest she had had enough of green for one night.

 

 

Lil Lovely Angel: There! We have chapter five. Sorry about that guys. Haven't gotten the time to get this chappie together. Oh well, the search continues next chap.