Live Your Own Story in Hyrule

Mipha listened intently to Link's explanation, her brow knitted deeply hearing about the events that happened on the island. While she's relieved they made it through, she couldn't help but feel some guilt for not electing to go with them. Could she have prevented anything? Likely not, but still, the preference to be closer felt more comforting.

"Wait. The sword? It's really her--eek!!" She shrunk back from the sudden appearance of the young Zora. She blinked, her eyes searching his face while she tried to find her words. "Th-thank you?" She'd sidled her way around back towards Link, well, maybe a bit behind him. "This seems like a lively bunch. You'd fit right in with them," she noted to Link in a hushed tone, but not low enough not to be heard.

After composing herself, she sighed a cleansing breath and found a smile to replace the mild shock she had. "I'm glad you and Irina are doing well. And Revali and Red, too."

The bokoblin appears next to Mipha. Maybe a bit closer than she would expect. His raspy voice greets her in a high pitch, “Welcome aboard, m’am. Please let us know if we can make your stay more comfortable.”

Tera rolls her eyes, “Oh, stuff it, Fred. This is hardly a pleasure cruise.” She is busying herself rolling up the rope from earlier.

Link just grins silently. He nods politely to the bokoblin and takes Mipha to a quieter corner of the small deck. “At this point, we are at the mercy of our new friend.” He gestures to the whale that seems to be leading them somewhere.

Mipha scoots a bit closer to Link as the bokoblin appears. She smiles cordially and nods. "I'll be fine," she admits. Tera certainly reinforces what she was already thinking. This vessel wasn't necessarily cozy.

With Link carefully guiding her away, she looks back over her shoulder as a precaution to ensure she wouldn't be caught off guard by any other sudden apppearances. When she felt a safe distance was established, she looked ahead and found herself in a corner away from all the busyness of the rest of the deck. "This whale is leading the boat somewhere?" She questioned, trying to ensure she understood what was happening here.

Speaking of being led, she only just realized her arm was gently grasped by Link's hand when they came over here. She raised her own hand to rest on the part of her arm he guided her with, feeling a bit giddy within, but keeping a mostly leveled cool on the outside. "From its appearance, I'll assume that's a good thing. Besides, Irina is its passenger. I would hope she's not in any conceivable danger if she's atop it."

Link looks out at the water and the whale with the adventurous barmaid riding atop it. He can't help but grin slightly at the peculiarity of the situation.

“She seems to be fine there for now.” He leans over and points to the water, “When the sphere came into contact with the water, that is when the light appeared. It's almost as if a sleeping force had been roused from its slumber. Then the whale swallowed the sphere and is now under its influence somehow…”

He seems to have doubts about what he is saying but it seems to summarize the facts as he has seen them.

Meanwhile, another creature silently stalks the boat, not detected by its growing crew. Suddenly, without warning, a splash is heard and Kala jumps onto the boat from the water, spear in hand.

The crew draws weapons and awaits the captain's orders, looking ready to attack.

The captain freezes at the sight of the latest passenger. He says nothing as she spots him and walks to him.

Kala makes a bee line to the stunned and silent captain, and slaps him with a force that even the barnacles below the ship could hear and feel.

“Brother.” she says in disgust.

Tera runs to Kayo’s side with her weapon drawn but the captain raises his hand to command her to not escalate.

Then he rubs his face and says to Kala in a slightly mocking tone, “How kind of you to join us, your highness.”

Meanwhile, the young Zora hides up in his mast watching the scene unfold.

"Oh, so that's what happened. I had thought this place was nothing but creatures of shadow, but it appears light can be found here too. Perhaps there's a chance for this realm to be redeemed. I believe they deserve as much." Mipha looks at the whale, wondering where it's guidance would lead.

Her attention on it was broken by the sound of hand meeting face. She refocused and traced its origin to Kala and Kayo. Hm. Familial tension of that magnitude is something Mipha is innately familiar with. It happens. But this felt a lot...deeper.

“Shadow and light cannot exist in isolation…” offers Link, watching the drama.

Kayo rubs his face and walks off towards the other Zoras while his sister silently fumes as she examines the ship and its ragtag crew.

“The light has been suppressed and we have been trying to bring it back by any means necessary.” he says, not with a hint of being too hurt, physically or emotionally.

Tera speaks up, “Unlike others here that have resigned themselves to making do in the shadows. We do not sit idly by.”

Kala rolls her eyes at the last comment and doesn't respond to the Hylian.

“Well the light has returned, for better or worse. I fear there is only one path forward. May it be the correct one, because the fate of everyone depends on it.”

Now that everyone was on board, Revali was trying to get himself used to this boat. In some ways, it wasn't too hard. Flying felt the same in some respects. While wandering around trying to figure out what kind of work he'd be getting into here, he registered the sound of that slap and looked up to see who initiated and who received.

"Oh, so every group has that one that doesn't trust things so easily?" Revali smirked. "I'd ordinarily side with the slapper, here, but the slappee might have a point this time. Looks like the light has been missing for a while here and it's about to make its return, somehow. I doubt a light whale is something you see every day here." He paused. "...Assuming that 'days' even happen here. I don't know what passes for time in this place, it's been sunset or sunrise or sun-whatever since I got here. Fact remains, that thing," he motions to the creature of light, "Is nothing like what I've seen since I got here. And if it managed to work its way out, I have to think this realm can have the same result."

He lifted his wingtips to his beak to rub it in thought. "Besides, maybe it's just me, but I find it fascinating that we could be on the verge of bringing light to this place while ours runs the risk of falling into darkness. I don't think the coincidences are isolated."

Irina climbs down to the whale’s fin and dips a finger in the water, which creates a path of light behind them.

Her gaze turns to the whale’s eye. “We need the sphere you swallowed to bring back the light everywhere.”

She does not think the animal can understand her but tries anyway. “I can tell you are not just any water creature. Can you help us get that sphere to my friend’s sword?”

Maybe the whale has a different plan… but asking won't hurt, will it?

"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._

"They went down? Are you certain?" Mipha inquired, her voice elevating as she'd stepped closer over the edge to take a look at where Gatu was looking. She couldn't quite make it out in the same way, but it didn't matter. They could very well be in danger. "But the waters... I thought--" She shook her head. "Nevermind, that. I'm going to go after them." She hastened towards the cliff that Link jumped from before. Looking over the ledge, she studied where the guiding light was leading towards. Without further hesitation she dove off the ledge and slipped through through the surface of the sea as smoothly as a knife through butter.

"Be careful Mipha!" _Gatu said after her, wishing her all the luck as she leap and dove down to see what's going on._

Kala crosses her arms and mutters something under her breath... something about "she is going to get herself killed" and "spoiled princess".

She walks to the edge then turns and gives Gatu a sharp look. "Well, are you coming or not?"

Revali came gliding in from above, circling over the area before coming to a landing. He didn't want to run into any issues on his way down. "Hey!" He calls out in greeting. "Me and Red have finally returned. We're coming to pick you guys up and fly you back to a boat out there. Seems a lot has happened and it'll be too hard to explain. Best way I can put it - A whale of light is tugging the boat." He shrugs.

"Don't ask me more, I just got there and got yelled at by Mipha."

Red comes landing soon after Blue and stretches a bit. "We've been doing a lot of flying..." He states. "But yeah, what the Blue guy says is correct. All the others are okay, though. That we know of, at least." He confirmed.

"If you all are ready, just say the word and we can carry you back. No need to get into the water."

Kala was about to jump into the water, maybe grabbing Gatu with or without his permission, but she stops when she sees the two figures on the horizon. She points and then runs to them as they land. "Boat?" She asks confused.

She stares out at murky water and frowns, then turns to the birds. Then the other thing he said clicks in her mind, "Whale... of light? What?" She looks more confused now. "Are they in danger? The people on the boat?"

Revali sighs, lifting his wing to his head to hold it briefly. "Yes, a boat. Whale of light. You heard it right. No one is in danger, thankfully. I'm not making any guarantees, I don't know anything about these waters, so they might not stay that way. But, for now, folks are fine. In fact, a lot of the crew looked like you," he pointed to Kala.

"We should probably get going before we lose sight of the boat. I don't think that whale is intent on stopping anytime soon."

Red grumbled, "I'll pick up from where he left off. There's a boat that's currently manned with a crew. Some of them look like you. Whatever happened on that island there is also responsible for the light in the water. We think they're headed towards its source." He eyes Blue. "It really wasn't that much to describe..."

He then returns his attention to Kala. "But if we stay here, they're probably going to get further away and I don't really want to be stuck here, so can we start flying off?" He thumb points in the general direction of were the boat is.

Kala crosses her arms. This wasn't exactly helpful dialogue, and she doesn't seem to enjoy small talk.

She immediately quips as soon as Red finishes, “Look, take these two…” she points at Gatu and Impa. “I can manage. A few sea serpents don't frighten me. Just try not to get eaten out there. I don't know what your kind tastes like but I am sure our local species would find you all delicious.”

She seems suddenly agitated and impatient to get to that boat. With that brief monologue, she jumps into the water with her spear. She disappears into the sea mist, practically flying across the surface of the water.

"I don't want to find that out. This is exactly why I want to fly away from here and eventually, out of here entirely." Red slouched a bit, thinking about being some sort of sea serpent snack. He took off and grabbed up Gatu, leaving Blue to pick up Impa. "N-not without helping out. I mean, we did sort of make an agreement and I'd hate to be the one to break that..."

"I'm in peak form and I take very good care of myself, so I would assume my taste would be sublime. But, I'm not about to be anyone's snack. I work far too hard just to become some mince meat for a sea serpent out here. Should it come to pass that I am unfortunately eaten, I will make sure the sea serpent that did it will have the worst stomach pains of its life every step of the way." Revali flies over to grab up Impa. "Alright, just hold on and we'll get back to the boat in no time."

(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;