| The Legacy of Z II | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 10 2009, 07:56:31 PM (2,232 Views) | |
| Bx | Feb 10 2009, 07:56:31 PM Post #1 |
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Notorious
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Opening Characters Zeno, "Z" (Age: 16) - After liberating Hyrule with his victory over Alvius, Z has been traveling around the world for the past 6 months trying to clear his mind of the tragedy that occurred in Hyrule. He has only now decided to travel to Termina and meet up with his friends for the first time since the incident. Maria (Age: 16) - Z's best friend. Maria's been patiently waiting for Z's arrival since the day she found out he made it out of Hyrule safely. In Z's absence, she has established a friendship with the Sages. Six Sages of Hyrule - The legendary Sages of Hyrule who were vital in Z's victory over Alvius as well as the survival of several Hylian refugees. They too have been waiting eagerly for Z's arrival and in the time that's passed, they've been trying to decide on ways to restore Hyrule back to it's former glory. Kafei - Mayor of Clock Town. Following in his father's footsteps, Kafei has been mayor for the past 8 years. Unlike his father, however, he is a decisive and competent leader, proving himself more than worthy to be a guiding force in Terminian politics. His generosity and willingness to help the Sages' cause is vital to the restoration of Hyrule. He's torn between helping the Sages and unraveling a sinister plot against him... Olivia (Age: 17) - An impoverished teenage girl from Clock Town's Underground City. After her home was burned due to an arsonist's fire, she revealed to Mayor Kafei that an underground group led by a person known only as "Damian" is planning to assassinate him. Her evidence for Damian's existence is the disappearance of Anju, Kafei's now divorced wife. Damian - Leader of a renegade group planning to assassinate Kafei. An extremely shadowy figure, his existence is known by all in the underground world but few, if any, have ever seen him. Olivia has linked him to Anju's disappearance... Footnote: As before, this story is very loosely based on the canon of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. And of course, there will be other important characters who appear throughout the story. Edited by Bx, Feb 19 2009, 01:44:19 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 21 2009, 12:42:35 AM Post #2 |
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Notorious
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Intro: Sunrise "Everything that confronts them is vanity, since the same fate comes to all, to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to those who sacrifice and those who do not sacrifice. As are the good, so are the sinners; those who swear are like those who shun an oath. This is an evil in all that happens under the sun, that the same fate comes to everyone. - Qoheleth" (Everyday, every single day be it, hot, cold, rain, snow before sunrise, I did the same thing. I woke up, washed my body, got dressed in my best clothes and walked out of West Clock Town to Great Bay and dug my feet into the warm sand as I waited patiently.... For six long months. The crazy things we do for our loved ones, you never think about them until after it's all over or until you get what you want... And on this brisk summer morning, I saw what I had been waiting for...) Maria: Is that him!? (When Rauru came back, he mentioned that he would return in a small red boat, the exact same boat that we traveled in all those years ago. I was composed on the outside but ecstatic on the inside, I didn't want to get my hopes up too much for fear of a letdown but still... As the boat drew nearer, the rising sun was shining on the boat and I could make the figure of one person... One person.) (I finally got to my feet as the boat was now only a few feet away. I could clearly see the figure guiding the sail as the weak morning sunbeams were illuminating him. It was a him. My friend had returned. After six months, after war, after fear, we could finally be with each other once again. I suppose that in my elation, it never once crossed my mind to question why he had taken six months to sail to this land. To us.... But thinking about questions like that only deflate the joy of the moment.) (And as he anchored the boat, I looked at his face but I hadn't caught his gaze, he was staring at the Clock Tower which dominated Termina's backdrop. Excited, I rushed over to the boat and yelled out his name...) Maria: Z!! (He didn't look immediately, I assumed the beauty of the Clock Tower had left him in awe but after a moment and a little more shouting he finally looked at me. My heart sank as I opened my arms to embrace him while he jumped out of the boat and onto the sand.) Maria: *Smiling* You lose your hearing out there or something?! (He smiled, slightly. And hugged me, it was a cold embrace. I guess I was asking for too much but there wasn't much affection in the hug and he quickly let go of me. Not quite what I expected but I was happy to see him all the same, he was taller, leaner and wearing a brown poncho over a long sleeved black shirt. Quiet. He was also quiet, I tried to change that so I asked the first thing that came in my head...) Maria: ...How was the ride over? (Z looked at me and smiled again, this time it seemed a little more real.) Z: It's going to rain soon. ("What kind of answer was that?," immediately popped into my head but rather than ask, I said the next thing that came.) Maria: Oh. So... Uh.... How do you know? (He pointed back toward the sea. I looked back and saw clouds forming in the distance. I focused on him again but still nothing, he just stood there. "What's wrong with him?" was the next thing that came to mind...) Maria: Z? Z: Yes? Maria: Um... Are you ready to see everyone? (His expression changed as I said that, it went from a casual nonchalance to a cold, blank expression...) Z: ...Sure. Are they awake? Maria: Probably not. Z: I don't want to wake them. (The laconic answers were worrying me, I tried to chalk it up to a long boat ride but even still... That wasn't Z. It was like someone had taken what was inside of him, the things that made him "him" and just left the outside intact. Impossible, I know but when you hear that a boy your age escapes with his life after defeating a mad dictator and a monstrous dragon, you start to believe that almost nothing is impossible. Regardless, I continued acting as though everything were just peachy as we walked across the sand toward Clock Town's west entrance.) Maria: So what do you think of Termina? Nice country, huh? Z: Yup. Real nice. (It was getting to the point that I just wanted to shake him, this just wasn't supposed to be like this... But I did my best to make it as normal as possible.) Maria: Clock Town is a beautiful place, there's so much to see and do, it's been great getting out and doing things after being cooped up in that castle for so long. ...I don't think anything is open now but later on, do you want me to show you around town? It's pretty big. Z: ...I have a map, of Clock Town at least. ("No! Why was he acting like this?! It wasn't supposed to turn out this way, this wasn't what I wanted. This wasn't what I wan...ted." And it finally hit me as we reached the west gate... I had been so selfish. How could it not have crossed my mind? I was so caught up with what I wanted that I never stopped to think about Z. ...I thought about him constantly but I never thought about him...) (We're all outsiders to everyone but ourselves. It's odd saying that because you develop relationships with people and you know them but you can only know so much. You can never truly feel what they feel, you can hear about it or read it but what's inside, what's really there within is so personal that it's unique to us all.) (And with Z. I, nor the Sages or anyone ever probably thought about how he felt. He probably never thought about how he felt about what he was doing, in the heat of the moment, you never do. But it's afterward, after you have a chance to reflect, you survey the details and try to piece it together as best you can. Almost like a puzzle, everything has to fit so it makes sense. But how do you put together a puzzle when you don't even know what the image is supposed to be?) (My gut was telling me that he was internally questioning his actions. I wanted to be wrong, I needed to be wrong but somehow I knew what was going on. You could feel the struggle, with each step that he took, you could feel him dragging the entire world on his shoulders.) "I just want to be wrong..." Intro: End Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:15:09 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 21 2009, 04:23:09 PM Post #3 |
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Notorious
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I: Politics As Usual (The two of them entered Clock Town's West Gate. It was quite obvious to anyone with eyes that this was the commercial district as the walls were lined with shops of all sorts, all closed at this early hour of course but it wasn't hard to imagine how busy this area was throughout the day. Every step of the way, Z scanned the name of each store and the goods they sold, making note of where things were in this new city. Still somewhat concerned by his behavior, Maria tried to lighten things up...) Maria: So what do you think of Clock Town so far? Z: Nice. The map says there are 4 districts, that correct? Maria: Yeah. This is the western part of town. I'll show you the north, south and east if you want. Z: What part are you staying in? Maria: East Clock Town. There's a big inn that I'm staying in. Z: And everyone else? Maria: You mean the Sages? Z: If that's everyone else then yeah. Maria: ...Well, they're staying at the Mayor's place. Z: The mayor? Maria: Mayor Kafei. He's the leader of Clock Town. He has a pretty big house that's also in East Clock Town. Z: Ok. Is that where we're going? Maria: ...If you want. But I thought you wanted me to show you around? Z: I do. I just wanted to know if that's where we were going next. Maria: Oh. Well, no, I was planning on showing you the southern part of town next. Z: No problem. (As they reached the opening leading to South Clock Town, an old Postman came out of the Post Office. Z watched as the old man ran past both of them without saying a word...) Z: Who's that? Maria: The postman. Delivering letters is his life and he's very serious about getting the mail out on time. They say in his heyday, he was a very very fast runner. And by the looks of it, I'd say he's still pretty good. Z: I agree. Maria: Alright, this way to South Clock Town. (He followed behind as they entered South Clock Town, the central district of the city and also the home of the famous Clock Tower. As it came into view, he was focused on the tower and only the tower while she continued showing him the landmarks.) Maria: And this is the Clock Tower that Clock Town is named after of course. Amazing, right? This thing's been telling time for ages and it's still accurate. According to what I've been told, it's the true symbol of Terminian quality. When the Carnival of Time rolls around, this place really lights up. Z: Yeah. (She led him around South Clock Town, showing him how each district of town is linked to it. She also showed him the passage leading to the Laundry Pool but chose not to go through because of it's "blandness.") (Next on their tour was North Clock Town and by this time, the early risers were beginning to appear in the streets. Nevertheless, they entered the northern part of town.) Maria: Not much here to tell you the truth. But supposedly, that blocked off cavern up there used to be or might still be a Great Fairy Fountain. Other than that, not a lot going on. So let's head on over to East Clock Town. (She took the lead again as they reached East Clock Town from the northern entrance. People were scattering about, chattering and taking care of their daily errands while they passed through.) Maria: This is like the tourist area. You'll always see different kinds of people coming and going through here. Even during the night, this place is pretty lively. I like it. (He looked around the area and focused on the large house to the left. Seeing this, she explained...) Maria: That's the Mayor's place. They renovated it a couple of years back and made it bigger and better than before, all the business of Clock Town is handled there. And like I said before, that's also where the Sages are. Z: You really like this place, don't you? Maria: East Clock Town? Well, yeah, I mean... Z: No. I'm talking about Termina, as a whole. Maria: Oh. Well, yeah. ...Hyrule wasn't much of a home for me. Termina is peaceful, things run smoothly here. Life is stable. Z: Yeah. (She stared at him for a moment but he didn't return her look, he was looking around the city, taking everything in at his own pace. Rather than speak, Maria led him down the stairs and showed him the bar.) Maria: Old Mr. Barten runs this place. Well...Sort of. Z: What's that supposed to mean? Maria: Eh... Mr. Barten is an old man. He can't do much these days and every night, a group of thugs from the underground trash the place every night. The guards wait for them but somehow they always manage to come in once the guards have left. *Sigh* ...I feel bad for old man Barten, I wish someone would help him... (He looked at the ground and ignored her hint, much to her amazement.) Z: ...The guards can handle it. (Surprised, she replied...) Maria: ...Yeah. ...Yeah, I guess...they can. (She continued looking at him while he continued avoiding eye contact. But still, she did her best to act normal and took him over to the large Stock Pot Inn next to the bar.) Maria: This is where I'm staying. The owner is the mayor's old wife, Anju but she hasn't been seen in awhile. Her son and daughter are looking after the place these days. They're really nice people. Z: Wait a minute, you said that the owner was missing? Maria: Yeah. Z: What happened? Maria: I guess it's about time to go to the Mayor's place. But to end the tour, over on that end of East Clock Town lies a couple of game shops if you ever get bored or just want to do something fun, check them out. Z: Ok. Maria: But we should get going, they're probably up now anyway. Follow me. (They headed back up the stairs and came to the Mayor's Residence. The door was open and they stepped inside. They stood at the receptionist's desk, the woman sitting there seemed to know Maria.) Receptionist: Hey, Maria. You here for the usual? (Before she could answer, the receptionist took notice of Z.) Receptionist: Oh, hi. Who's your friend, Maria? Maria: This is my...friend, Z. (The receptionist's eyes grew wide.) Receptionist: Z? You mean...The "Z?" You're Z?! (The receptionist became giddy over this news and Z just looked away and shook his head in an unnoticeable manner.) Receptionist: ...Can I have your autograph!? (He displayed a phony smile for the receptionist but did what she asked and gave her an autograph with only three words, "To you, Z") Receptionist: THANK YOU! Z: ... (Maria got away from the awkwardness of this situation by getting back to business.) Maria: ...Ok. So, is everyone up? Receptionist: You know where to find them. And thank you so much, Z. YES! (He didn't respond to the receptionist and Maria led him upstairs to a large hall with a few rooms side by side. They came to one door and she knocked.) Woman's voice: Yes? Maria: It's me. I've got a surprise. (The door opened immediately and there stood Ruto. Behind her, the other Sages sat around looking at them.) Ruto: Z! (She quickly wrapped her arms around Z and hugged him, she squeezed him as tight as could but he only barely touched her as she finally let go.) Ruto: Come in, come in. (They went inside the room and the rest of the Sages happily greeted him. In contrast he casually smiled but did little else.) Impa: How are you? Saria: Yeah, what took you so long? Nabooru: Where were you? (He looked at each of them separately and answered.) Z: I'm fine. I was just traveling. And I've been many places. (He looked away from them and at Darunia who was standing with his arms crossed looking at him.) Darunia: You sure you're feeling ok, Z? (He quickly put on a smile.) Z: Yes. The trip was long, that's all. Darunia: I bet. (Rauru then came into view and greeted him.) Rauru: It's been too *Cough* *Cough* long....Z. (He looked like death. His skin was pale, his wrinkles were stiff-looking and his eyes were swollen. Z noticed all of this but didn't bring it up.) Z: Yes, Rauru. It certainly has been. (He sighed and asked...) Rauru: ...How is Hyrule? Z: I suppose it's ok. Haven't been there since that day. Rauru: Yes, yes, I understand. Impa: So tell us, Z, what happened? Z: You haven't heard it already? Impa: I think we'd like to hear your account. (He looked around at everyone's faces. They were all smiling, eager to hear the story of how Alvius was defeated from the person who did it. And he did just that, he gave them a first hand account of what happened from beginning to end....Almost.) Nabooru: Very impressive. Darunia: Certainly a story worthy of being told! Ruto: ...Oh, I'm just glad you're alive after that. Must have been horrible. Z: ...Yup. ...But it's over now so everything turned out ok. Rauru: Yes. *Cough* But... it's going to take *Cough* a lot of work to restore our great country *Cough* *Cough* to it's former glory. (A knock at the door came. Maria opened and a figure unknown to Z greeted her and stepped inside.) Impa: Mayor Dotour. How are you? Kafei: ...Please, Impa. Just call me Kafei, when you say Mayor Dotour, I think of my father. Impa: But I feel it improper. Kafei: ...Ok. If you must. (The rest of the Sages greeted him together as he focused his attention on Z.) Kafei: Hello. Z: Hi. (Kafei extended his hand, Z took it and they shook.) Kafei: A firm grip. Sign of a good man. (Z didn't reply but he kept going...) Kafei: I hope you've enjoyed the little you've seen of Clock Town thus far. Z: It's nice. Kafei: Good. Your actions six months ago, nothing short of amazing. You've done us all a good deed. That fool Alvius was threatening war with us but that's over thanks to you. Since we received the good news, I've been helping the Sages devise ways to rebuild Hyrule quickly. Termina is doing excellent now but I've always viewed grand Hyrule as a great sister nation and valuable ally. I'd like to see her rise once again. (Z nodded his head while Kafei continued speaking...) Kafei: Z. I'd like to give you something. Could you follow me to my office? Z: ...Ok. (He led Z out of the room and together they went down the stairs to his office. Inside, there was a messy desk full of papers and a row of storage cabinets. An intriguing mask hung on the wall, it was yellow and resembled a fox. Kafei sat at his desk and told Z to sit down.) Kafei: ...Z, I've got to tell you something... (His perked his ears up and he listened carefully as Kafei began to speak....) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:16:44 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 22 2009, 12:45:28 AM Post #4 |
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Notorious
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(The serious expression on Kafei's face said enough before he even started speaking.) Kafei: *Sigh* I realize that you've had a long journey and I understand how tired you must be but I feel it best that I say what I have to right now. Z: So say it. (He nodded.) Kafei: Ok. ...I'm only a Mayor, an elected official, my position is dependent upon others, the people of this town to be more exact. Z: What are you getting at? Kafei: Termina isn't like Hyrule. No single person has absolute authority over our nation, we are run by the Grand Council, made up of the leaders of each separate state within Termina. The situation regarding Hyrule has been very polarizing to say the least. Each of us on the council has taken a position of either being in favor of funding Hyrule's restoration or not. (Seemingly uninterested in these matters, Z started looking around the room, noticing the intricate symbols marked on the walls. Even with his rudeness, Kafei continued talking...) Kafei: ...There are five of us altogether. To get anything passed, a majority must agree and simple math says that at least 3 of us have to agree on the issue for any action to take place. Myself along with two other council members agree that we should fund the restoration of Hyrule but... (Z looked at him again and said...) Z: If three of you already agree then it's settled. (Kafei sighed and wiped his lips.) Kafei: No. Not exactly. We don't actually decide on the issue for a few months, only our current sentiments are known but they can change within that time... Z: And why are you telling me this again? I thought you had something to give me. (Kafei seemed to be getting frustrated but he could only be mad at himself, he was dancing around what he really wanted to say.) Kafei: Look, Z. I'm only a mayor! The other council members have relatively permanent positions, mine is subjective to the will of Clock Town's citizens, I can't just make decisions without looking ahead. I have to keep my people happy or else I'm out of here. Z: And how do you keep your people happy? (His level of frustration decreased and the tone of his voice lowered as a result.) Kafei: By doing what they ask of me. And what they want is for Hyrule to be restored, it's a great tourist spot, a valuable trading partner and just a great place overall. Who wouldn't want to bring Hyrule back? Z: Apparently two of those Grand Council members. Kafei: ... Z: Hmm... Kafei: You don't want Hyrule restored? (Z was visibly annoyed by his question and he bit his lip before answering...) Z: I just want you to ask me what you've been trying to for the past ten minutes. Kafei: What? Z: Your wife! Tell me about your wife. That's what you're going to move onto next, isn't it? (Kafei opened his mouth to say something but the words didn't come out. When he finally did regain the ability to speak, his voice began to crack...) Kafei: ...Yes. ...Is it....already known by the public?... Z: If you count Maria as the public, I guess so. But honestly, I couldn't tell you. (Kafei's face was now sunken in and drawn. He looked like a monster whose face needed to be covered, that was Z's thought and he immediately looked at the yellow fox mask hanging on the wall.) Kafei: ...Anju. We divorced eight years ago, right before I became mayor of Clock Town but... You've got to understand, I still love her. And hearing that he took her... I... I can't imagine what... Z: Who? Who took her? Kafei: The Underground "King", Damian. Z: And who's he? (He pulled himself together again.) Kafei: Just who I described. The man who rules everything beneath Clock Town. They all know him down there. They fear his name. Z: So why don't you do something about it? Don't you have guards? Kafei: Of course. But...you're new here. You don't know the Underground. Z: Alright then. Let's start there, why is there an Underground in the first place? Kafei: Well, there's not enough room in Clock Town for the growing number of residents that we have here. When Hyrule was first seized by Johan ten years ago, our population increased dramatically. People from all over were coming to Termina for refuge, stability, imagine that? Termina, a nation of stability. Ha. When I first met your father, that would have been a laughable claim. Z: ... Kafei: In short, we shipped the lesse...r...Err...Less fortunate citizens and moved them underground. We had built homes for them down there, it was a good move or at least, that's what I thought... But it became like a jungle down there, totally uncontrollable. Z: They're your people but you can't control them? Kafei: They're Damian's people. And no, I cannot control them. That is why the guard has chosen to disobey orders to search down there for my wife...and Damian. Z: Unbelievable. Kafei: What? The cowardice of the guard? Z: No. Your arrogance. (He was stunned.) Kafei: Are you...? Excuse me? Z: You sit there and you act like you're stunned, absolute stunned that people would rebel against being shipped off like animals and sent to live in your sewers when... Kafei: It wasn't my call! I wasn't mayor then. Z: But you certainly haven't done anything to change it. Kafei: I have no choice. What do you want me to do!? Bring 'em all up here! I can't. Wait a minute... Why am I even going over this with you? Z: You don't have to. I've already heard enough of what you had to say... Kafei: No you haven't! There is a plot against my life!.... (He paused and exhaled a bit while Z stared at him, coldly.) Kafei: ...*Sigh* Damian is trying to kill me. He's taken my wife as a flex of his power and influence underground. And now he's after me. If he succeeds in killing me, Z, then Hyrule can kiss it's restoration good bye. I can't die. Z: ... Kafei: Not only that. But if the other provinces find out about this threat on my life then for Hyrule's sake, I am already dead. The other Council members would view my life as unstable and my judgment would come into question, there's no way that they would allow me to even attend meetings. Knowing this now, will you help me? Z: I don't even know what this Damian looks like. And you expect me to find him? (Kafei just put his head down and exhaled...) Kafei: ...I can't help you with that. (Z looked at him like he was a moron.) Z: What? You're telling me that you don't even know what this guy looks like!? How the hell do you know he did it?! (Kafei was embarrassed, his face became flush. He wasn't expecting this from him.) Kafei: ...I was told about Damian's intentions from a reliable source. Z: And who's that? Kafei: A girl named Olivia. She's from the Underground. Her house was burned down a few days ago. She's the one who told me about Damian and my ex-wife. We've been keeping her here for obvious reasons... She's in a room upstairs... The first one on the right. Z: And you know she has reliable information? You said it yourself, the people from the Underground rebel against you. (He sighed and answered...) Kafei: Listen, I'm not a monster. There are good people down there and Olivia is one of them. I'm sure she's giving me truthful information. ...So Z, does that mean you're going to help me? Z: No. I'm not. (Kafei's jaw dropped. While he was standing there, stunned, Z got up and headed for the door. Before he opened it, Kafei stopped him...) Kafei: Even after what I said, this is for your country! You're nothing like how I imagined. ...The Sages said you'd be willing to help. Z: They lied. That's what they do. They're good at. (And with that, he opened the door and saw a female quickly on her way up the stairs. He turned his head to the receptionist's desk but no one was there, she was on a lunch break. Nonetheless, curious, he closed the door and followed the girl upstairs...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:17:48 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 22 2009, 08:56:59 PM Post #5 |
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Notorious
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(Upstairs, Z knocked on the first door on the right.) Z: Anyone in there? Hey! (The door slowly opened. He let himself in and saw a girl sitting on a bed facing the wall.) Z: ...Are you, Olivia? (The girl turned her head and looked at him. Her skin was lighter than it should have been, not quite pale but it was obvious she could have used more time in the sun. Other than that, she was a pretty girl, exotic-looking with very light green eyes to go along with her long brown hair.) Olivia: Yes and you're Z, right? Z: Yeah. Olivia: Could you close the door please? Z: Sure. (He shut the door behind him and moved closer to her.) Z: Were you listening in on our conversation down there? (She smiled.) Olivia: Yes. I was. (He nodded his head and took a seat on a chair by the wall.) Z: Honesty, that's a good sign. Olivia: That what? Z: That you're not liar, what else? (She smiled again.) Olivia: I'd rather you didn't try to butter me up, Z. Just ask why I was listening in on your conversation. Z: Since you already know my question, answer it. Olivia: I've heard all about you. Everyone has and I'm just wondering why Kafei decided to have a private conversation with you. And my suspicions were correct, he's trying to get you involved in something that you probably would rather not get involved in. Z: And why is that? Olivia: Because I'm from the Underground. I've seen what Damian can do, angering him would be bad for everyone down there. My home has already been torched because of this... Z: So Damian torched your house? (She sighed and said...) Olivia: Yeah... Z: Why? You're not telling me something. Olivia: Don't worry. I've got nothing to hide. I was getting to that. Anyway, my mother and father were a bit unhappy with the income that Damian provided for us. You see, my father is a quadriplegic and my mom spends all of her rupees on bogus cures for his condition, because of this we didn't have much money to spend on food and other necessities so my mom complained when Damian decided to give us less rupees than usual this month... Z: And then Damian burned your place down. *Sigh* ...Man. That's tough... Olivia: That wasn't the only thing he did.... (She put her hands over her face while she spoke now...) Olivia: He had his goons rape and torture my mom. And my father was executed.... I was forced to watch the entire thing. (He lowered his head but didn't say anything.) Olivia: One of the guys mentioned Kafei's ex-wife Anju's name while he was uh.... abusing my mother. Z: ... (She pulled her hands from face.) Olivia: That's how I found out about Damian kidnapping Anju... Z: ...I see. (There was an awkward silence for a moment before he spoke again.) Z: Damian. What does he look like? Olivia: No idea. His men do all of his bidding. I've never seen him and I don't know anyone who has. Z: Sounds like he's a shadow. Olivia: I wish he were a shadow. Then he'd be harmless. But he's real, he's as real as it gets. Z: Where's your mom? Olivia: Why do you ask? Z: I just want to know. Olivia: Not sure. She ran off after the whole scandal in a frenzy... Can you blame her? Z: I've never been in her shoes. Olivia: ... Z: But I'm curious, why didn't you chase after your mom? Olivia: I did. It was just that once they were finished with her.... (She didn't finish her sentence but he didn't need her to, he already knew what she was going to say.) Z: ...Any other family? (She frowned upon hearing the question...) Olivia: I....Uh...have a brother. Z: And where's he? Olivia: I don't know. My brother is...his own man to say the least. Z: Was he there when all of this occurred? Olivia: No. My brother has long been on his own. He's a few years older than me. Z: So he doesn't know then. Olivia: I'm sure he knows by now, it's whether he cares that's the ques... (She stopped herself and quickly tried to get off the subject of her brother.) Olivia: My brother's not important. And Z, I hope you're not planning to go down there to find Damian now. I'd hate to see you get involved in this. For all it's hope and progression, Termina is still a dangerous land. Damian is just one of a few threats to Termina's safety... Z: Is that so? Olivia: Yes. The Silent Demon is probably a more well known problem throughout Termina... Z: Silent Demon? There's a demon running rampant in Termina? (She sighed again and answered...) Olivia: You certainly have no idea what you're risking coming to this place. The Silent Demon is a man, at least, witnesses claim he appears to be a man draped in black who stalks various figures and murders them. He's been linked to the deaths of several in Termina as well as a few rapes... He only appeared just a few years ago from what I know... His presence is unsettling for us all. Z: Hmm... Don't you think that the name Damian and the word Demon in this "Silent Demon's" name are a little too close? Olivia: If you're trying to say that those two are the same person, I don't think that's the case. Z: And how can you be so sure? (She smiled, stood up and walked over to a table with a checkered board laying on it. She picked up one of the pieces on the board and spoke as she moved it...) Olivia: Because I'm a chess player. Little details mean everything to me. Like how you're wearing a glove on your left hand only, why only that hand I'm wondering. (She winked and motioned for him to come over. He blushed a little and came to the desk...) Z: It was injured a few months back... Hasn't completely healed. That's all. (She sat in the chair opposite him and continued speaking.) Olivia: It's your move. (He looked at the game board and shook his head, "No.") Z: I'm no good at this game. Olivia: Come on. Play, it's fun. (He begrudgingly sat down and made his move. Her eyes lit up once she saw his move and she quickly countered. Her sudden "giddiness" prompted him to ask...) Z: Are you attracted to me? (Her eyes widened.) Olivia: That's pretty bold of you. But no, aside from the intrigue of your history, I'm not attracted to you in the slightest. And what about me? (He made his next move.) Z: Only your name. I like your name but that's as far as it goes. (She made her next move and got rid of one of his pieces.) Olivia: Well, thank you. Besides, we're both taken anyway. Z: You have a boyfriend? (He moved another piece and looked at her, she made her next move immediately.) Olivia: Yes. And you're too easily distracted Z. Checkmate. Z: Huh? (He looked down and saw that she had beaten him...) Olivia: And to answer your first question about The Silent Demon and Damian, they're style is different. I'd say the Demon is a physical, violent monster, Damian on the other hand is probably a coward. Afraid to do the dirty work himself. (He was still staring at the board when she stood up.) Olivia: Don't worry Z. You'll get better. (He looked up at her.) Z: ...Yeah. Olivia: Listen, I'm restricted to staying in Clock Town for obvious reasons so if you're trying to find Damian or whoever, I can't help you much aside from telling where to look for stuff, alright? Z: ...I never said I was going to look for him. Olivia: I know, I don't want you too, it's not your job to get involved. The situation is too dangerous. Z: Yeah... (He stood up and started heading for the door.) Olivia: Oh. Since you're going to be around here for a while, we should play some more but good game anyway, Z. And I hope your uh... hand feels better. Z: ...Later. (He walked out of her room and found Maria standing by the door...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:18:54 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 27 2009, 12:10:19 AM Post #6 |
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Notorious
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(He shut the door behind him and looked at her. She was watching him closely but hadn't said anything. He wasn't going to break the silence however and simply stared back at her. After a few moments of silence, she initiated conversation...) Maria: What's going on Z? Z: Getting myself acquainted with the neighbor. Maria: Oh. ...So what did you think? Z: You know she can hear you.... (Her eyes widened and she put her hand over mouth.) Z: That's not necessary, you haven't said anything wrong...Yet. (She took her hand away from her mouth.) Maria: What are you trying to say, Z? Z: It's not what I'm trying to say, it's what you were going to say before I made you aware of how thin the walls are in this place. Maria: And what exactly was that? Z: You know what. People just don't stand in front of a door for the "thrill" of it. Just remember, Maria, the burden of proof is on the person who makes the claim. (She became upset and angrily replied...) Maria: What are you talking about!? I haven't made any claim! Z: You've got no reason to be jealous of Olivia. (Now she knew for sure that something was terribly wrong. But this unexpected outburst made her no less flustered as she quickly asked...) Maria: Huh? Z, that's... Where are you getting this from? Z: You tell me. You tell me if I'm right or not. (She closed her eyes and started shaking her head; she was pissed. The door to the Sages' room opened and Nabooru peered her head out of it.) Nabooru: What's going on? (Maria looked at her and just shook her head. Z gave Nabooru a quick, dirty look and then focused on Maria again.) Nabooru: Ok... I don't know what's going on but you two really need to calm down. Z: Don't tell me to calm down. *Looks at Maria* And you... Keep your mouth shut and don't say another word to me, I'm not in the mood to hear the crap! I come here and one idiot's paranoid and another is jealous, should never have bothered coming to this place... (Shocked, Nabooru held her mouth open but said nothing. Maria's eyes watered. Whatever was left of Z's heart came out when he saw this and replayed the entire conversation back in his head. He walked over to her, wrapped one arm around her neck and patted her back with the other.) Z: ...Sorry. (Nabooru finally closed her mouth and looked at him. She didn't say a word and simply closed the door. He was still holding Maria while she let out the last of her tears and looked up at him...) Z: Come on, let's go outside. (She wiped her now red eyes and walked with him downstairs. The receptionist saw her face.) Receptionist: Was she crying? What's wrong with her? (He waved the receptionist off as he led Maria out of Kafei's office and outside again. It was raining now, just as he said it was going to earlier. As the two of them walked through East Clock Town in the rain, she began asking questions...) Maria: What's the matter with you...? (He didn't answer and she sighed. But after a few minutes, he took a deep breath and finally responded.) Z: I'm tired. ...I'm just tired. Maria: But from what? Something's bothering you, tell me. (He opened his mouth as if he were going to speak but didn't let the words come out.) Maria: What? You were going to say something, what's wrong? (No answer.) (She sighed and said...) Maria: ...Then at least tell me where we're going. Z: ...I haven't gone completely cold, Maria. Maria: Then what's the problem? Why are you upset with everybody? Z: I've just... I don't know, I've just become leery of everyone around me, especially the people closest to me. I'm beginning to think that friends are just enemies close to you... Maria: Including me? Z: Yes. Maria: But why?... I thought we were.... Z: Listen, I'm just seeing things for what they really are now. Make no mistake about it, I care about you, really I do. I just....don't know, right now. (She wiped some of the water out of her hair and frowned at him.) Maria: But I wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt you. Z: I'm not saying you would. Maria: You and the Sages are all I've got left, you're my family now. I don't know what's really wrong with you but I'd like to help, it's not easy seeing you like this, you're not yourself at all. ...But I won't press it anymore, it's not healthy though, you can't live life mad at the world unless you want to end up alone. If that's the case, keep doing what you've been doing... Z: Alright, alright... (The two of them entered South Clock Town, they were drenched and she asked...) Maria: You still haven't said where we're going? Z: Underground. Maria: Why?... Z: I'm curious. Can you lead the way to the entrance? (Although she was unsure about his intentions or his mental state, she led him to the doors leading to the Clock Tower's interior.) Z: The Clock Tower? This leads to the Underground City? (She nodded her head and the two of them entered. It was dark but the mechanisms controlling the clock could be heard above their heads.) Maria: I've never been to the Underground City so I don't know my way around. What I do know is what I've heard which is probably the same thing you heard. Z: Kafei described it as a jungle. (She let out a sigh and said...) Maria: ...Let's hope not. Z: But if Kafei's wrong then this whole thing becomes even more interesting. Maria: You're going down here because of Kafei? ...What did he give you anyway? Z: A little bit of information and a load of crap. But no, I'm not going down here because of Kafei. Maria: ...Olivia then? (He looked away.) Z: I already told you, I'm just curious. (She held back what came into her head and replied with a simple...) Maria: Ok. Z: Yeah, let's get moving. (The two of them walked down the ramp and immediately took notice of the bright green "river" that cut the "city" in half.) Maria: ...Why's it green? Z: It's not the color that's got me wondering, but just what this "river" actually is. Maria: ...It can't be water. Z: Hmm... (They got closer to the green "river," and he dipped the tip of an arrow in it and pulled it back up. He felt it with his gloved hand and then smelled it, it didn't have any particular smell. He then put his glove to his mouth...) Maria: Don't... That's disgusting... (But he ignored her and tasted it anyway.) Z: ...It's water. Maria: Really? Z: Yeah. Not poison, not anything, just water... Maria: But it could be contaminated. (He realized what he just did.) Z: Yeah... I didn't think about that. Maria: We'll find out if was sooner or later... Z: ...At least it's not acid. (The oddity of the green water left both of them wondering just what the Underground City had in store for them next as they traveled deeper into the darkness....) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:20:18 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 27 2009, 08:49:42 PM Post #7 |
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Notorious
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(They crept through the dimly lit "roads" of the Underground City. Small candles on some of the houses were the only form of light but nothing could illuminate the deadness of the area. The houses, if you could call them that, were just pieces of cheap wood horribly stacked together, they were shacks but just barely. It was obvious that this Underground City was a rushed job, there was no time or effort put into the layout and everyone unfortunate enough to live down here was holed up inside their beaten shacks. Life was nonexistent, how anyone could survive in this hell was a mystery in itself.) Z: *Looking around* ...They call this a "city?" Maria: Terrible. Z: The more I look around this place, the worse Kafei looks. (She stayed quiet.) Z: I guess they're all the same. Maria: Who? Z: The guys at the top. I bet Kafei preaches that Clock Town is such a wonderful place but do you think he ever mentions this part? All in it for himself, there's no excuse for this place. (Sighing, she replied...) Maria: ...I guess you're right. (He looked at her and said...) Z: You didn't seem to sure when you said that. Maria: Well I don't think Kafei's a bad guy. I feel sorry for him to tell you the truth. Z: Save your sympathy for people who deserve it. Maria: His wife was kidnapped, though! And it was people from down here who took her. Z: Ex-wife. And you'd be angry too if you were forced to live in another man's sewer. Maria: ...I don't disagree with you, Z but... *Sigh* Just forget it. Z: Fine. (They cut through the road and approached an area that was more populated. That doesn't mean there were a lot of people but there was some sign of life to say the least. They figured out why not long after...) Vendor: Bread! Get your bread! Fifty rupees for three slices, feed the family for the night! Come on, get ya bread! Get ya bread!! (A dirty-looking woman wearing torn rags approached the vendor as they watched.) Woman: Puh-Please, Barnes... Can ya make it a bit cheaper?... Vendor: Cheaper? Nope. Damian's set the price for the week and I ain't about to change it. Woman: But... Vendor: Listen, if you don't have the rupees, that's too bad, now get outta here. I here the same sob story every hour from people who look just like you and worse, I'm tired of it. Now go. (The woman, defeated, put her head down and walked off. Seeing this, they approached the vendor.) Vendor: Hmm... You two don't look like you belong down here. (She ignored his statement and got straight to business.) Maria: You're ripping these people off. Fifty rupees for three slices of bread, are you kidding me? (The vendor rolled his eyes and continued his sales pitch, as if they weren't standing in front of him.) Vendor: Bread! Get your bread! Fifty rupees for... Z: You know we are standing here. (Annoyed, the Vendor simply kept on...) Vendor: Fifty rupees for three slices! Feed the family for... (Z pulled out fifty rupees from his wallet and handed it to him.) Z: There's your fifty. Now shut the hell up and answer a few questions. (He quickly took the rupees and inspected them with his grubby little hands, afterward, saying...) Vendor: They're good. (Maria looked at Z, in a way that said, "Why did you just do that?" but he didn't notice and kept talking to the vendor.) Z: You said something about Damian. Who is this guy? (The vendor acted as if he didn't hear that and only handed him his three slices of bread.) Maria: He asked you a question! Vendor: Ok. Listen, I don't know who you are but I don't answer questions about Damian. That's not my place, now I gave you ya bread, get the hell out of here, you're bad for business. (Z had gotten frustrated, he flashed his blade to the vendor whose face now had compliance slapped on it.) Vendor: ...Alright. I'm no tough guy, you said enough. Truth is, I've got no idea who Damian is, all I know is he sets the price of goods and I deliver the profit to one of his associates. Hey, I got a conscious too and I don't like doing this to these people as much as the next guy but all I know is that if I don't do this, Damian has my throat slit, my dog skinned and my house torched just like those people. Maria: Horrible. Vendor: Yeah, maybe. But that's not for me to decide, you go flashing that blade in the wrong places and your heads will end up on someone's dinner table. Word of advice, don't go asking questions about people more powerful than you. This is the Underground, friends don't exist, the only friend you got is your body and if you can't put out, you get put out. Permanently. (They didn't respond. The vendor sighed and pulled another loaf of bread out, he took three slices and placed them on his sales table.) Vendor: I don't know what possessed you to come down here questioning people about Damian but you should just go back above ground. I don't want to hear about a couple of kids going missing... Z: Don't worry about us. (Maria looked nervous.) Maria: Z... Maybe he... (He ignored her and asked the Vendor...) Z: You said something about an associate of Damian's. Who's he? (The vendor's jaw dropped.) Vendor: You didn't hear anything I said?! This guy will kill you! I'm done. I'm done. Z: No you're... Maria: Z. (He turned to her.) Maria: Stop. Don't force him to talk. (The vendor was shaking a little bit but Z simply handed him the three slices of bread he bought without saying anything else....) Vendor: What's this? Z: Consider it paid for, for the next person who comes to buy something. Vendor: ? ...Ok, I guess. (He walked off and Maria followed. There were others scattered around the area, selling a variety of things at more reasonable prices but they chose to bypass them and went deeper into the city.) (The "green" river that separated the entire area up to this point stopped. This meant that the next part of the Underground would be even darker as the brightness of the water was no longer a source of light. Despite this, they crossed over the dirt trail and heard voices ahead. Z started walking toward the voices but Maria stopped him.) Maria: I've kept my silence long enough, Z and I've got to know... Why are we here? What are you looking for? You heard what that guy said. Z: You're afraid? Maria: Stop answering my questions with questions! Just give me a straight answer for once. Z: I thought we went over this. Maria: Argh... A real answer, I want a real answer! You're being a prick again. Man's Voice: Who's that? (Footsteps were now coming toward them.) Z: Looks like the answer will have to wait. (A man appeared from the darkness ahead, he was a straggly-looking guy with a long, scruffy beard and dressed in a solid black outfit. He had a large hammer attached to his side.) Man: Who are you? Z: Who are you? Maria: *To herself* ...There he goes again... Man: I asked first. I've never seen you around here. Z: I'm new. Man: I believe you. You look the part. So what business you got here? *Notices Z's sword* Nice piece of equipment you've got there, you're not trying to pick a fight are you? Z: No, I'm not. But I'm curious, is there something back there I'm not supposed to see? (The man gripped the handle of his hammer.) Man: You're new here. There was an unfortunate accident back there, nothing worth seeing to tell you the truth, we're just looking over it, you know, cleaning the mess. Z: I see. But a friend of mine lives beyond this point, he wanted me to come see his place. Man: Really? (He looked at Maria and asked...) Z: Am I lying? (She quickly shook her head, "No.") Man: I see. But what's your friend's name by the way? (He paused for a second and looked at Maria, she was nervous but he looked at the man again and answered...) Z: Damian. (The man quickly pulled out the hammer and held it in position to strike, Z countered by pulling his blade out, ready to attack.) Z: Maria, get back! Man: Too bad for the girl! Z: Huh? (Out of nowhere, three men dressed in black grabbed Maria.) Maria: ....Z!! (He looked back at the men pulling her away until the one with the hammer took a huge swing and nearly hit him but he quickly blocked it with his blade and knocked the man's arm back with his elbow while Maria desperately tried to scream out his name while the guards held her mouth and dragged her off.) Z: Shit! (Maria's attackers disappeared into the darkness while he fended off the hammer-wielding foe with a few slashes across his legs, knocking him to the ground screaming in pain. The fallen enemy held his severely wounded legs with his left hand while he held his other hand up in surrender.) Man: ...Please... D-don't. (Remorseless, he ignored his pathetic plea and dug into his wounded legs with his boots before driving his bloody blade into the man's chest. He stormed off into the darkness to find the men who took Maria but strangely, as he moved closer to where her attackers had went, he found their bodies freshly killed on the ground. Worried, he went in deeper and found what the men were guarding, a ruined shack. He looked around the area even more closely and saw Maria, held by some unknown figure wearing a white muscle shirt and a red bandana.) Z: Maria! (Seeing him, she squirmed around in the man's arms while Z pulled out his bow and aimed at the man's head.) Z: Let her go! (The bow seemed to scare him as he let go of her and held both of his hands up in the air. Now free, Maria quickly ran to his side while he continued aiming.) Z: Who the hell are you?! (The man didn't answer, he just stared at Z while he held his arms in the air.) Z: Answer me! (The man slowly put his arms down and started speaking...) ???: I'm no enemy. Please, put the bow away. Z: Tell me who you are first. ???: My name's Jim. (Z continued to aim his bow at his head.) Jim: Easy now, I told you, I'm not here to fight you. Z: Then why are you here? Jim: I'm working. Z: Working? Jim: Yeah. I'm looking for Damian. Z: Why? Jim: He's no good, is there any other reason? (Z slowly put his bow down and then away but quickly pulled out his sword.) Jim: Easy buddy, easy... (Z grabbed Maria's hand and held his blade up as he got closer to Jim, who continued to look at his face intently.) Z: Now who are you again? Jim: Name's Jim. I'm on the job looking for this Damian character who's responsible for all the trouble around here. Z: What job? Jim: It's nothing official. I just feel that Clock Town needs a hero. Z: And you're him? Jim: ...I've tried to be. Z: Your villain is Damian, "Hero?" Jim: He's everyone's villain but yeah, I guess you could see it that way. Z: You look a little too old to be playing hero. Jim: ... Z: Don't get too comfortable, I don't believe you. You held my friend here like one of those kidnappers, explain that "Jim." (Jim looked at Maria and threw his arms up into the air.) Jim: I was just helping her! I took out those guys before they ran off and the reason I grabbed her was so she wouldn't run away from both of us. I was doing you a favor. Maria: ...Some favor. (Jim sighed.) Jim: I'm sorry if I scared you, I just didn't want to see another person go missing. They already got Anju. Z: How do you know about that? I was under the impression that that wasn't public information. Jim: I've been down here for a few months, I hear things. Z: Oh, I see, you're just some vigilante suffering from a midlife crisis. Ha, "Hero." All you "heroes" are bad news, just looking to further your own agenda. (Maria was stunned at what he was saying and looked at him wide-eyed.) Maria: Z. For whatever it's worth, he did save my life. Z: Yeah... (Jim stared at him for a few more moments and asked...) Jim: Do I...? No. Impossible, he'd be an older man by now... And I heard he di... Z: What? Jim: ...Who's your father? Z: Don't know. Never met the man. (Shocked, Maria asked...) Maria: Z...? Jim: ...Oh. Z: Not that I think much of what you do Jim but you say you've been down here for a few months, have you found out anything about Damian? Jim: ...Not much. Never seen him. Nobody talks, this is the first real action I've seen down here. What I do know is that this house was burned down a few days ago but I didn't see it happen, it's just what I heard. And by the looks of it, it's true. (Looking around, Z said...) Z: Yeah. Maria: This was Olivia's house? Z: Judging by the evidence, yeah. But I'm more interested as to why those guys were guarding this place. Jim: Maybe they weren't guarding this place at all. Z: Hmm... Maria: Is this what you came for? You wanted to see Olivia's house?... Z: Yeah. Maria: Why? Z: Haven't found out yet. (He walked over to the burnt shack while Jim and Maria closely followed behind...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:21:40 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 1 2009, 02:45:21 AM Post #8 |
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Notorious
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(The shack was a torched mess, there wasn't a whole lot left of it but following Z's actions, they each searched around the rubble looking for who knows what....) Z: *Looking around* You guys see anything? Jim: Yeah, burnt wood. Z: *To himself* ...Smart ass... (Maria turned over a large piece of wood and yelled.) Maria: Hey! I got something. (Both Z and Jim whipped around to see what she was holding.) Jim: A scarf...? Maria: It's something. (She looked at Z for approval but he only shrugged his shoulders and went back to searching, undeterred she wrapped the scarf around her neck and continued looking. Not even a minute later, they heard crawling sounds.) Jim: What's that? Maria: Sounds like someone's coming.... Z: Or crawling... (They finally appeared, rats, overgrown rats the size of adult Great Danes coming full speed toward them.) Maria: !!! (She froze while the rats charged, Z pulled out his sword and grabbed her hand while he tried to slash the rats. Jim was fighting them off with a small dagger but this did little to stop them as one of the rats knocked the blade cleanly out of his hand.) Jim: Damn! Z: Jim, move! BOOM! (Heeding his words, Jim rolled out of the way as the rat exploded, splattering it's guts and skin all over the place. Explosions continued to happen the more the rats were slashed and it was now apparent that the exploding vermin were no anomaly. Realizing this, Z held Maria's hand tighter and started running away from the shack but Jim didn't follow.) Z: *Looking back* Jim!? What the hell are you doing!? (He was still back there, persistently fighting the rats with his bare hands but it was a vain effort as they were obviously overpowering him with their vicious gnawing and slashing attacks.) Z: Jim! Jim! (His yelling did him no good as the rats now started charging at him but he did finally get Jim's attention.) Z: What are you doing!? Jim: I've...got to...help! Z: You're gonna get yourself killed! Jim: No... Z: Argh.... Get over the hero complex! (A flash of his old self appeared as he, tugging Maria along, ran through the rats coming toward him and pulled out his blade once again.) Z: Use this if you're so adamant about fighting but move! (He tossed his sword at Jim, who caught it and started slashing away at the rats. Explosions rang across the area as Jim defeated the overgrown vermin but Z found a crisis of his own as the rats were focused on him now and formed a circle, ready to strike both him and Maria, who finally regained sense of where she was.) Maria: ....Z? Z: Just stand there and... Maria: AHH!!! (A huge rat leaped at her face but a fast Z was able to stop the monster in midair, wrestling with the huge beast on the ground as the other rats took advantage of this by attempting to lunge at her before Jim thankfully reappeared, stabbed them and rolled both of them away from the explosion's fury.) Jim: *Breathing heavily* You...? You...still ok? Maria: ....Yeah. *Pauses* Z! (They both got to their feet and saw Z still on the ground struggling with the rat, whose tail was now on fire from the explosions just a few moments ago.) Z: *Struggling* Err... Argh!!!.... (Jim rushed to help him and started to stab the rat before...) Maria: Stop! It'll explode on him! (She was right. This had to be dealt with delicately. Jim circled around the rat now, deciding what to do.) Z: Just... Err.... Do something! ARGH!!! (With all of his strength, he pushed the rat off of him and while it was in the air, a nervous Jim stabbed it and...) BOOM!! (As the smoke cleared, they each saw that they were relatively fine minus a few scratches but the last of the rats had been defeated. Z got to his feet and looked at Maria, who was wide-eyed but unharmed.) Z: You ok? (She slowly nodded, "Yes." Z turned his attention to Jim, holding his stomach...) Z: They got you? Jim: ...No. It's my stomach. Ahh... I have a hernia... Ahh... Oh, damn... The pain almost always comes after strenuous...ooh work. (Z disapprovingly shook his head at Jim who took his hand away from his stomach and handed him his sword.) Jim: Thanks. Z: You did most of the work. Thanks for helping her especially. (Jim looked at Maria and smiled.) Jim: No problem. Maria: Guys, those rats were huge. Jim: Yeah. I noticed... Z: You mean you don't know anything about the rats? Jim: No. I knew there were rats down here, who wouldn't, but... not like that. I've never seen anything like that. Z: ...I don't... Maria: Guys...? (They both looked at her...) Z and Jim: Hmm? Maria: ...Listen. (Crawling and then hard thumping sounds were now coming toward them.) Z: Shit! Maria: Jim, your stomach, can you run? Jim: ...Yeah. Z: Alright then, run! (They quickly sped away from the charging rats along with Jim who hobbled beside them. As hard as they were running, the rats caught up with them appearing on both Z and Jim's side. With his sword in hand, Z slashed the rat next to him and unsurprisingly a small explosion followed.) Z: Jim, catch! (As they ran, Z tossed Jim his blade and he used it to take out the rat on his side. Another rat appeared next to Z and Jim hurled the sword back at him. Again, Z took care of the enemy but just as before, a rat charged next to Jim and he tossed the sword across to him. This pattern went on until they reached the market area where the few people around ran off screaming while they battled the rats.) Z: Take care of it! (He tossed Jim his sword again. But the pain from his hernia returned...) Jim: Ahh...! (He failed to catch the sword as the pain in his stomach became too great to bear. The rats quickly jumped at Z's blade and gnawed at it. Z ran to the rats to get his weapon back but as he was running...) "DUCK!" (A series of odd arrows flew in from ahead, hitting several of the rats, causing the predictable explosion which in turn killed the ones not directly hit. While the smoke was clearing, a silhouette appeared coming toward them. Z quickly grabbed his sword and held it up while the figure came closer until he was finally visible.) ???: Sorry about that. (Z looked up at the man, he was a guy in his twenties with a dark goatee, mid-length hair and a well-defined physique. He was wearing a white shirt, red pants and a long, gold pendant across his neck.) Z: Who are you? ???: Call me Raphael. I see you got acquainted with the rat problem down here... (Z looked over at Maria and then at Jim before asking his follow-up question.) Z: So you know about these things? Raphael: Yes, of course. Z: And do you mind if I ask how? Raphael: Get on your feet first. Then we can walk and talk. (Raphael extended his hand to help him up but he ignored it and got up on his own.) Raphael: You're an independent guy. Good trait. Z: Yeah... *Looks back* I'm still worried about those rats. Raphael: I think I got the last of them. And if they do come around again, we'll just take care of it like we did just now. Z: Ok. Raphael: You wanted to talk? Z: Of course. Raphael: Well, I'm heading above ground, care to join? Z: That's just where we were going. Raphael: Good. Let's go then. (Now accompanied by Raphael, Z and the others walked back toward the exit, talking with the new stranger.) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:23:15 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 1 2009, 09:30:02 PM Post #9 |
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Notorious
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(Damian was the topic of conversation on the way back above ground. From Z's perspective, Raphael was delivering what he wanted to hear although his motives for finding this Damian remained unknown to everyone else...) Z: So what made you want to work with a guy like Damian. Raphael: I worked for him, not with him. Nobody works with the guy, as far as I know. Z: Still, why work for him? Raphael: He provides well for us, why else? If you live in the Underground, it's because you didn't have much money to begin with. You think Kafei provided anything for us? Kafei who? is more like it. (Z glared at Maria after remembering her defense of Kafei from earlier. She looked down once she saw his gaze.) Raphael: ...Anyway. Ironically, it's the lesser of two evils. Working for Damian, that is. Jim: ? Why would you say that? Raphael: Hard to believe on the surface, I know but let me clarify it for you. Kafei's not a popular guy down here, anyone finds out that you're working for that scum and you may not ever be seen again. Jim: Because of that damn Damian... Raphael: Damian? No, no, no. You've got it all wrong, people absolutely despise Kafei down here, he's the reason we're still being forced to live in these parts. Damian may have the most resources to kill the "good" mayor of Clock Town but I doubt he has the most desire to. Z: *To himself* ...You might be wrong about that. Maria: You sound like you're defending Damian. Raphael: I'm just stating the facts. Damian and Kafei are equally bastards, just in different ways. At least Damian doesn't try to hide it the way Kafei does. Z: And just how do you feel about Kafei, Raphael? Raphael: I'm not a fan. Maria: Would you try to kill him is a better question, I think. Raphael: Ha. Nah. I'm still young, I've got better things to do. Z: Anyone else share your sentiments down here? Raphael: Couldn't tell you. I firmly believe that you never know a man's heart until he's given a choice between getting what he wants the quick, immoral way or the tedious, more polite way. Jim: What's that mean? Raphael: Give a man who hates Kafei the choice of either killing him or removing him from office without penalty. What he chooses determines what's in his heart. Simple enough for you to understand now? Jim: Sure... Z: Raphael, do you have any ideas as to who Damian is? Raphael: Would you know even if I knew?... Z: Depends on if you know. Raphael: Sorry. I don't. My tenure working for him was short but sweet. If I had a guess, though, I'd say it was someone who maybe had a lot of rupees at one point and time but lost it all. The guy probably had a ton of connections from when he had rupees, even with the rupees gone, he still has the connections. Z: Any basis for this theory? Raphael: He just seems to have a lot of resources. But if you want something more concrete than that, I can't help you. Z: Who is this guy?... (Raphael shrugged his shoulders.) Raphael: No real clue. He only recently appeared on the scene. Z: Only recently? Raphael: Yeah. You didn't know? Z: No. Raphael: Strange. But anyway, yeah, it was about a year or so ago that his name was first mentioned. Right around the time that we got the new arrivals. Z: New arrivals? Raphael: Yeah, the people from uh, Hyrule. Maria: Wait a minute. You mean the refugees? Z: Tell me you're not talking about the refugees... Raphael: If those were the people from Hyrule then yeah, that's who I'm talking about. Z: Unbelievable.... (Jim looked around confused.) Jim: What I miss?... (Z started rubbing his forehead while Jim still confused, repeated himself.) Jim: Uh...What I miss? Maria: Raphael, where did the refugees go to live? (Clearing his throat, Jim asked again...) Jim: What did I miss? Raphael: Deep, real deep into the city. It's a ways. Z: That dirty son of a bitch... Jim: WHAT DID I MISS?! (Annoyed, Maria looked back at him and replied...) Maria: If you'll just listen, you'll find out! Sheesh... (Embarrassed, he blushed as he quietly said...) Jim: Oh... Z: *To himself* ...Another moron... Raphael: Uh...Anyway, we've reached the ramp. (They headed up the ramp and were now in the Clock Tower. Z opened the door and as they went out they heard...) "FIRE!!" "OH NO! THE MAYOR!!!" "IT'S BURNING! IT'S BURNING!!! NO!!!! "Oh my goodness....All of those people..." (A mass frenzy was taking in place in Clock Town. Everywhere citizens scattered about running all over the place, shouting various things, all Z gathered was that there was a fire and Kafei may have been in some type of trouble. This news was especially unsettling because if the Mayor's office was burning, then that meant the Sages and Olivia were in danger as well.) (A nervous Maria looked at Z and asked...) Maria: Z?... (Z too was nervous as he didn't verbally respond but his face said enough.) Jim: I think... (Raphael rushed through the crowd toward East Clock Town. Jim didn't complete his sentence and followed behind him. Z and Maria looked at each other before they rushed over toward East Clock Town themselves. Cutting through the frenzied crowd, they hurried up the ramp and at that moment they heard another scream...) "NO!!! NOT THE INFIRMARY TOO!!! NO!!!" (Z whipped around to see who said it but as he turned, he saw in the corner of his eye a black figure standing against the wall, startled he took a second look but it wasn't there.) Z: ....*Breathing heavily* ...Huh? (Maria tugged at him.) Maria: What are you doing?! Come on! (He forgot why he had turned around in the first place and ran with her into East Clock Town. Smoke filled the area and it was hard to breathe....) Maria: *Cough* *Cough* You...alright, Z?... Z: *Breathing heavily* ...Ye..ah... (Covering their mouths, they pushed and pulled their way through the mass hysteria and saw a huge chunk of Kafei's office blown out and the rest furiously burning.) Z: *Cough* ...Where's...? (He looked around through the smoke.) Darunia: Z! Maria! Over here! (They made out Darunia's silhouette and ran toward it. The other Sages were standing near but Kafei wasn't with them...) Darunia: Guys... Are you alright!? Z: *Breathing heavily* ....Yeah... *Cough* Yeah... Ka...fei? Where's...? Impa: He was inside when the blast occurred... Saria: That guy went in there to find him! (Z coughed and asked...) Z: What guy? Saria: The guy with the red bandana! Z: ...Jim. ...Idiot... (He looked back at the burning building. Reluctantly, he rushed inside without saying a word. Looking at him, Maria and Ruto shouted...) Maria and Ruto: Z! (But he didn't answer as he disappeared into the smoke. Maria turned to the Sages.) Maria: What... *Cough* *Cough* *Cough* happened in there?! Impa: We don't know. It was like this when we got here... (Raphael appeared from the smoke, with Olivia wrapped in his arms.) Maria: Raphael? Raphael: Where's Z? Maria: He went inside. (Surprised, Olivia asked...) Olivia: Why!? Maria: ...To save them. (She didn't reply. She only looked at the building, engulfed in flames as they all just stood there waiting for him to come back...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:24:33 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 2 2009, 07:56:47 PM Post #10 |
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Notorious
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(Still standing outside of the burning building, the Sages as well as the others deliberated on their next course of action after hearing that another blast had went off at the local infirmary in West Clock Town.) Impa: At the very least, I suggest that we leave this part of... *Cough* town. Maria: But Z? Ruto: I trust him. You should too, Maria. Maria: *Cough* ...I guess you're ri *Cough* ght... (Olivia looked at her and asked...) Olivia: You're leaving? (Darunia replied.) Darunia: ...It's too hard to breathe here! Come on! (The Sages along with Maria ran for North Clock Town, coughing and wheezing every step of the way. Olivia and Raphael were left behind...) Olivia: ...Do you think we should go too? Raphael: *Cough* *Cough* ...It is hard to uh...breathe. (Olivia grabbed his arm and led him to North Clock Town. Upon entering, they saw the Sages and Maria standing around a tree as more terrified citizens toppled the guards and rushed for Termina Field. As they were walking toward the Sages, a person, hiding his face with a black hood walked past them heading for East Clock Town. Seeing this suspicious individual, Raphael pulled away from Olivia and called out...) Raphael: Hey! Hey! (The figure kept walking. Maria and the Sages had since taken note of what was going and watched as it all went down....) Maria: ...Could that be the person who did this? Could that be Damian!? Raphael: Hey! I'm calling you, you son of a bitch! (Aside from his appearance, suspicions regarding the individual were totally unwarranted but hot-headed Raphael was not thinking clearly as he blazed toward the smoking East Clock Town to find out who this person was...) Maria: *Looking around* Why are we just standing here!? That's probably the one who did this! (The Sages didn't respond aside from the terrible coughing fit Rauru went into. Angered by their passiveness, Maria ran for East Clock Town only to be stopped by Olivia.) Olivia: What are you trying to do?... Maria: Let go of me! Olivia: It's not safe for you! Maria: I don't care! Olivia: Don't be stupid! (She struggled to escape her grip but as she managed to break free...) Maria: Get off of me!! (Darunia had gotten hold of her and firmly tightened his grip so she couldn't break free no matter how hard she tried. Olivia looked up and thanked him for the help while they walked back to the tree.) (In that time, Raphael caught up with the hooded figure standing in front of Kafei's burning office building. With a small dagger in his hand, he called out to the man once again.) Raphael: Who the hell are you!? (Again, no response from the individual who only stared at the burning building. Raphael was now a bit unnerved by the figure's eerie silence, so much so that his hands began to tremble. But this display of fear quickly went away when he approached him.) Raphael: You're the one who did this, aren't you? (The man didn't move.) Raphael: Answer me! (Still nothing.) Raphael: I said ANSWER ME! (Finally, the man broke his stillness and...) Raphael: HEY! (He simply walked away. Raphael became furious and he readied his dagger to stab him as his back was turned but...he made a grave miscalculation.) Raphael: *Choking* Ugh... Ah! Ah!... (When Raphael had gone in to stab the man, his dagger was quickly knocked out of his hand and his neck was now tightly wrapped within the man's hand as he held him high in the air, torturing him by repeatedly easing his grip for a second only to apply even more pressure to his throat.) ???: *Sniff* ... (The man smelled Raphael's body and seemingly became enraged by whatever he had smelled, he tightened his grip even more causing Raphael's skin to turn a ghastly palish purple color.) Raphael: *Choking* Uhh...Ugh.... Ug...!!! (As Raphael was beginning to see the last of his life, the man released his grip and dropped him to the ground. He gasped for air immediately upon hitting the ground but the man didn't follow up with an attack, just as before, he simply started walking away.) (Mere moments later, the door to Kafei's office burst open. Covered with soot, Z appeared from inside dragging an unconscious Jim and a badly burned but still breathing, Kafei. Dragging the two men was no easy task and Z struggled to get out of the door but as soon as he did so, he stopped and saw him staring...) Z: *Shocked* You...? ...Who are you!? *Sees Raphael on the ground* Are you Damian!? (The lack of oxygen from inside the burning building weakened him and he fell to his knees as he tried to approach the man. Oddly, the man did not attack him, he didn't even try to approach him, he only stared for a moment, walked off and left Clock Town heading in the direction of Ikana...) (With the mysterious man now gone, Z regained his composure and tried to help Raphael who was conscious but laying on the ground motionless.) Z: Raphael! Raphael!? (Hearing him, Raphael felt around his sore, bruised neck as he tried to sit up but failed. With three beaten and burned bodies before him, tired Z tried his best to somehow drag each of them toward the closest exit, the path leading to North Clock Town. As valiant as his efforts were, it was no use as he fell to his knees once again. Hope however was not lost as he heard loud footsteps charging up the stairs toward him.) Z: ....*Breathing heavily* ...Who? (It was the town guard. They finally proved their usefulness and appeared with equipment to put out the fire. Spotting Z and the others, they went to their aid.) Guard: Get them out of here! Take especially good care of the Mayor! (A few guards lifted up Raphael, Jim and of course, Kafei and ran through the path to North Clock Town. When a guard tried to lift Z up, he swatted him away and walked off on his own following the guards to North Clock Town...) (Upon seeing Raphael in the guards arms, Olivia ran to him. When Z appeared, Maria and the Sages called out to him. He heard their shouting and went to them.) Maria and Ruto: What happened back there!? (He bent over and took a few deep breaths before answering.) Z: *Breathing heavily* Something funny... is going on... (He let out a few more breaths and lifted himself up.) Nabooru: Where are the guards taking them? Z: Don't know. I thought you'd know... Maria: The infirmary had an explosion as well. They can't be going there... (Z and the others watched the guards along with Olivia head down the path leading to South Clock Town. By this point, the frenzy had settled down and order was being restored to most of Clock Town that being said, many people were still out in Termina Field doing who knows what.) Rauru: *Cough* ...Was the *Cough* Mayor *Huff* ok...Z? (Rauru went into another coughing fit before he could answer. The old man's health was deteriorating at a rapid rate and the other Sages knew it. They tried to help him get over his cough but to no avail, Z watched them hovering over him, doing their best to help....) Maria: Z... (He shook his head and sighed. She knew what that meant and didn't say anything else. Rather than watch Rauru slowly rot away with each cough, Z walked off without saying a word. Maria chased after him...) Maria: Where are you going? Z: I don't know. I just can't watch that. (She sighed and replied...) Maria: I understand. Changing the subject, since you never answered, was Kafei alright? Z: Yes and no. He'll live but his public image will be forever changed. Maria: ? What do you mean? Z: His face is charred.... Maria: ...Oh. Z: Whoever set that fire... Maria: Oh yeah, did you see that man?! Z: The one in black? Maria: You did see him. Did you find out who he was? Z: No. I've seen him twice now, the first time was right before we went into East Clock Town and now this time. Thought it was just my imagination then, guess I was wrong. Maria: Raphael was in the guards arms, was he the one who hurt him? Z: I don't know for sure but I'll assume so. Maria: You think that was Damian? Z: Could have been. But I'm not sure, I remember Olivia telling me about a guy who fit his description. A demon or something... Maria: A demon? Z: Yeah. But not anything supernatural, at least that's what Olivia said. Maria: Hmm... Never heard anything about that. Z: Supposedly, whoever he is, he's the talk of Termina. If it even is a he. Maria: But...why he would do something like this? Z: We can't even be sure he did it in the first place. Maria: But all the evidence... Z: All the evidence points nowhere. Suspicious, yes, but this wasn't just some random act of violence. The infirmary and Kafei's office don't get blown up coincidentally and if they do, then whatever god or gods these people believe in certainly have it in for the "good" Mayor of Clock Town... Maria: ...I guess... that makes sense. But where did he go? Z: He left Clock Town through the Eastern gate. Maria: ...That leads to Ikana. (He was about to reply when the Sages called out for them.) Darunia: Z! What are you guys doing? (The two of them turned around and saw the Sages staring at them.) Darunia: What's going on? Why are you over there? Z: We're heading over to see where the guards went! Darunia: Huh? Impa: They're headi... Maria: WE'RE HEADING OVER TO SEE WHERE THE GUARDS WENT!! Impa: ....That. Darunia: Oh, ok. ...Wait up, we'll follow you guys! (Darunia and the other Sages made their way to where they were standing and together they all went down the path into South Clock Town, looking for the guards who took Kafei, Jim and Raphael...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:25:54 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 7 2009, 06:44:59 PM Post #11 |
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Notorious
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(Kafei and the others were taken to the Trading Post in West Clock Town where they were being tended to by the Sages and the owner of the store. Z, Maria and Olivia have been waiting in the open section of the store for the last hour or so...) Maria: What makes you two so sure that the guy in black didn't cause the explosions?... Olivia: It's not his style for one thing. From what I understand, the Demon as I'll refer to him, is simply a killer. Not the type to dabble in explosives. Maria: But he's a killer! What difference does the manner of the killing make? Z: ...I think you're missing the point. (She turned to him and said...) Maria: Am I? Explain it then. Z: Well, you're too focused on the actual killing or attempted killing. The real question is why? If for whatever reason, you're right and this demon guy is the one behind this, why did he do it? Why go to all the trouble? Maria: He's a madman, obviously... Z: We've got no reason to believe that just yet... Maria: But his reputation! Olivia: I think you're reaching a little too far, Maria. Maria: I'm reaching? Me? At least we've seen this guy! Like your theory about "Damian" sounds any better... Olivia: Damian exists, Maria. Maria: And how can you be so sure? (She stared into her eyes. Undaunted, Olivia stared right back at her while Z put his hands over his face in frustration.) Olivia: Because I've experienced what he can do... I don't care what you think.. Z: That's enough, Olivia. Damian's real enough, she knows this. Olivia: Doesn't seem like it. Z: Alright, alright. Back to what we know, two explosions occur around the same time at Kafei's office and at the infirmary, the most obvious explanation is Damian but... Maria: Don't rule that man in black out... (Olivia rolled her eyes. She didn't notice and Z was on edge the entire time....) Z: Yeah. The Demon, he showed up too. But why Raphael? He's your boyfriend Olivia, explain that part. Olivia: Nothing to explain, actually. Raphael has a temper, he lost it and provoked the Demon, we're lucky he's still alive. Z: I guess this "demon" has a heart. Olivia: If you say so... Z: Let's throw him out of the equation for a moment and focus on Damian, though. Maria: Why are you so interested in this all of a sudden? (Taken aback, he paused for a moment.) Z: ...Well, I was never uninterested. It's just that now things have hit a little closer to home... I mean, any one of us could have been caught in that blast but... Hmm... We weren't. Olivia, where you when the blast occurred again? Olivia: Out. I can't leave Clock Town because I'm technically a "suspect" in all of this but I play the Treasure Chest game for fun. It's not far from Kafei's office. Z: And the Sages? Maria: What are you getting at? Z: I'm working on it. Olivia? Olivia: They stepped out. I don't know where... I just know they were gone before I left. Z: And the receptionist was off-duty? Olivia: Yeah. Maria: Oh, ok, I see now. You're thinking that the time of the blast was deliberate. Z: Bingo. Either that's a great coincidence or Damian only wants to hurt Kafei. Now if that's the case... The real question is, why? Anyone have any guesses? (Neither of them answered and he continued...) Z: Maybe Kafei's hiding something, maybe he's not. But if he's not then solving this little mystery is a lot more complex than I believe. Maria: You think Kafei knows who Damian is? Z: If Kafei knew, he'd have taken the guy out by now. I don't think Kafei knows anything for sure but I do think he has an idea. Olivia: Sounds plausible enough but still...I don't know. Z: What? Olivia: I've lived in the Underground, I know how Damian operates, he doesn't care about anyone's life. My father was defenseless and he had him killed, Z. *Sigh* I mean you might be right for all I know but this isn't some... (The front door burst open. In rushed a man and a woman, they both had nervous expressions on their faces.) Man: Where is my father!? (Z raised his eyebrows but didn't answer. Detail-oriented Olivia was studying these two with curiosity while Maria was the only one kind enough to help.) Maria: Chloe? James? It's me, Maria. (The two were in a frenzied state of mind and seemed to ignore her.) Chloe: Where is my father!? The Mayor! Mayor Kafei! Where!? (As Maria was about to answer, the back door opened and Impa appeared.) Impa: What's going on out here? (The nervous man and woman stormed past Z and the others and approached Impa.) James: My fath.. Mayor Kafei is in there? Impa: James, Chloe, I...don't think you want to see him... Chloe: Let us in now! (Impa's eyes widened.) Impa: ...Are you certain you want to see him now?... He's not well yet. Chloe: I don't care! That's my father in there! (The two of them bulldozed Impa and entered the back room. Immediately, their shrieking cries were heard. Impa left the door open and Z got up to shut it, drowning out the sound somewhat...) Z: ...They're a little late, don't you think? Maria: Z... Z: I'm just saying... Olivia: She's right, you should have a little more compassion. ...That's their father in there. *Sigh* ...I know the feeling all too well. (She looked down at the floor. Z started scratching his head and looked away. The back door opened once again, this time Darunia appeared.) Darunia: You guys doing ok? Z: Um... Yeah, I guess so. What's up? Darunia: Well uh...*Sigh* Everyone's up, including Kafei. Z: You're kidding, with all that nois...*Looks over at Maria and Olivia* Darunia: And he wants to see you. Z: Kafei? Darunia: Yes. Z: Now? Darunia: Yup. Olivia: You said everyone's up, so Raphael's awake too? Darunia: Sure is. ...Whoa! (She bolted past Darunia and entered the back room.) Darunia: She's certainly in a hurry.... (Following her, Z and Maria entered the back room and saw everyone standing around the three injured bodies, who were now awake of course. Upon seeing Z, the badly burned Kafei called out to him. Z walked over to him and got down on one knee to speak.) Kafei: *Breathing heavily* Z... My...thanks... (Kafei's daughter put her hand over his forehead and stopped him from saying anymore.) Chloe: You need rest. Kafei: No... Chloe. I... must... Z: Yeah, let him talk. (She took her hand away from his head and stood back while they spoke....) Kafei: Dami...an... Has made it....quite clear... He is going...to kill me... Z: And what do you want from me? Kafei: ...I, I, I told you before.... Your future rests...with my life. The other provinces have...no doubt found out.... This...is not...good. Z: Pretty arrogant thing to say. Ruto: Z! Z: Well it was. Ruto: The man has been severely burned, how can you be so cold? (He stood up and looked at her.) Z: He's not dying. And it was an arrogant thing to say. (He walked past everyone and out of the room. Maria chased after him.) Maria: What are you doing? Z: I'm not gonna suck up to that guy. His town is turned upside down and all he can worry about is himself. The guy is politicking only a few hours removed from near death. Maria: That's still not an excuse to be so rude... Z: It's not a reason to kiss anyone's ass either. Maria: You know you can be really unbeli... (The back door opened. Kafei's daughter, Chloe popped out, she was furious.) Chloe: Who do you think you are!? You don't talk to my father like that! (Annoyed, Z waved her off but she wouldn't move so he walked out of the Trading Post without a word. Maria was left behind to explain his actions....) Maria: Listen, don't mind him, he's just a little... Chloe: I don't care! I don't want him near my father again! Maria: Don't be irrational. He might be the only who can find out who did this to Kafei! Chloe: Oh, so you're a smart one too I see. Well... (Before Chloe could unleash her wrath on her, her brother pulled her into the back room. Although she was stressed out, Maria reluctantly went outside to find Z, standing against the wall outside.) Maria: Z? Z: Got tired of her crap too? Maria: You know I wish you'd just tell me what's wrong with you... Z: You said you wouldn't press it anymore. (Sighing, she replied...) Maria: ...That was when I thought you were gonna start acting sensible again. I just want to know where the "old" Z is at? You're so irritable now. You weren't like that before... (He looked up at the starry evening sky...) Maria: You're not gonna get away with the "I'm sorry, I really care for you" line this time... Seriously, what's up with you? (He took a deep breath and looked at her.) Z: You're right. Something is bothering me... But even if I do tell you, can you really help me? (She let out another sigh and said...) Maria: Now you're the one missing the point. Z: I'll tell you. Maria: Ok, what's... Z: When I'm ready. Now where do I sleep? Maria: ...I would've said the Inn but you were kinda rude to the owners... Z: ...Oh. Maria: Don't worry, we'll figure something out. Z: What a first day, huh? Maria: ...I'd say so. (They went back inside the Trading Post as the hectic evening passed...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:28:14 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 9 2009, 06:57:24 PM Post #12 |
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Notorious
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(Z woke up the next morning in a sleeping bag outside of the Trading Post. Kafei's son and daughter, currently running the Stock Pot Inn refused to give him a room leaving him without a place to sleep as the Sages had taken up all of the room within the Trading Post. He didn't have a great sleep but that was the last of his concerns at this point as he met Kafei in the back room once again...) Z: Feelin' better? Kafei: Z? Z: Yeah, it's me. Kafei: ...Well, I feel a lot better compared to yesterday. Z: You sound like you're in better shape to talk today. Kafei: *Yawns* ...What time is it? Z: Early. Everyone is still asleep. Kafei: ...Oh, I see. So...What do you want? Z: I want to talk about the explosions. Kafei: You don't believe I'm simply paranoid anymore, do you? Z: I never really thought you were paranoid to begin with. Kafei: But I overheard you say... Z: Doesn't matter. I'm interested in all of this now. Kafei: ...So you're going to help me? Z: I'm not doing this to help you, Kafei. Before I fell asleep last night, I was able to sort all of this out in my head. I thought long and hard about what's going on here with you, me, everybody. And as much as I try to, I just can't help shake my curiosity in all of this. Kafei: Curiosity? So you just want to solve the mystery, that's all? Z: Essentially, yes. (He exhaled and said...) Kafei: ...Maybe it's not the way I wanted to receive your help but... I can't be picky, especially now. Well, thanks for letting me know anyway. Z: I didn't come in here to tell you that, though. Kafei, if I'm going to try and figure this thing out, you've got to tell me the truth. Kafei: ...What are you talking about? Z: Who is Damian? Kafei: What? I already told you, I don't know. Z: And you don't have any idea? Kafei: No. Z: Alright, I'll ask you this, who would want to hurt you? Kafei: That I know? Z: Obviously. Kafei: Well... If the circumstances were a bit different, I'd have said my ex-wife but that obviously... *Sigh* The point is, that's the only person aside from the people in the Underground. I know what you're trying to get at Z but there's nothing there, I've told you everything. Z: Why'd you break up with your wife? (Kafei's eyes widened.) Kafei: ...Excuse me? T-t-that's a very personal question. I'm not comfortable answering that. (He fixed his eyes on Kafei's but he avoided his stare.) Kafei: *Sigh* My marriage failed because I am a fool. It takes a lot for me to admit that... And it was so long ago. (Z took his eyes away from him and nodded.) Z: Alright, I understand. But I hope you realize she might be the key to all of this. (Kafei felt around the edges of his crisp face, this conversation made him uneasy and frustrated. It was quite obvious that Anju's disappearance troubled him deeply.) Z: I know the subject bothers you but your wife, where was she headed the day she disappeared? Kafei: ...My children told me she had gone to the cemetery in Ikana. She never came back. Z: Ikana? Hmm... Maybe there is a connection. Kafei: What? Z: You know about the so-called "Silent Demon" that's been terrorizing Termina? Kafei: ...Yes. Luckily he hasn't struck Clock Town or... Why did you bring him up?... Z: We think he appeared on the scene yesterday. You know that Raphael guy that was here? Kafei: Yes, Olivia's boyfriend. Z: Well, he's the reason Raphael was in here getting treatment along with you. Kafei: ...I see. Z: And when I saw him, he was heading toward Ikana. Kafei: You think he has something to do with Anju's kidnapping? Z: I don't know. Maybe Maria's been right this whole time. Again, it's just a lot of speculating, we can't know for sure until...we know for sure. But at least we have a start now. Kafei: *Sigh* ...I've heard frightening things about that one. I only hope he's had no hand in Anju's kidnapping for if he does...Damain has far more power than even I imagined. Z: Yeah, well like I said, it's all speculation for now. Kafei: I suppose you're right. But if you were trying to quell my concerns, I'm sorry to say you failed. Z: It's a good thing I wasn't trying to "quell your concerns" then. (Kafei smiled and replied...) Kafei: I guess I've just come to accept your rudeness. But still our situation has drastically deteriorated. As I told you before, the other provinces surely know about the explosions by now. My position within the Grand Council will undoubtedly come into question. Z: ...Well, I've got no control over that. Kafei: I know you don't. I just hope the Council proves me wrong... Z: You're a real politician aren't you? Kafei: What? Z: You're always worried about your image, even when the situation is as bad as it is now, all you're concerned about is how you look. Kafei: Why do you hate politicians so much? Z: I guess I'm a little jaded when it comes to those in power. Kafei: ...Odd. Z: If only you knew. (He got up and started heading for the exit but Kafei stopped him...) Kafei: Powder Kegs. (He turned around and asked...) Z: What? Kafei: That's the only type of explosive strong enough to take down my office as well as the infirmary. Think of it as another lead, I guess. Z: I'll keep that in mind, thanks. (He waved him off and left the room. He was immediately approached by Saria. She grabbed his arm and together they tiptoed out of the Trading Post and stopped.) Z: What's up? (She frowned.) Saria: ...It's Rauru. Z, he's dying. And... Z: I don't want to hear this. (He started walking away from her but she yelled out to him.) Saria: But you owe it to him! (He stopped dead in his tracks and turned to her. The expression on his face told the entire story, he was boiling with anger.) Z: What do you mean I owe it to him?! Saria: You... Z: No. Why don't you just say what you really feel, "I owe it to you guys" alright but let me tell you something, six months ago, I did everyone a favor. I paid my debt to society if I had one. I don't owe you guys anything. And yes, I know he's dying, the guy's coughing blood every half hour. But what do you want me to do? I can't save everybody. You think if I speak to him, that it's gonna change something, that he's just gonna spring himself out of his sickness? I don't know what fantasy world you're living in but that just doesn't happen in real life. Saria: .... Z: I'm sorry if you were expecting something else. (She stood there speechless and he walked away. As he walked up the path, he noticed the Bomb Shop's sign.) "Open Monday-Friday 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m." Z: ...Pretty interesting hours. (Regardless of what he thought, he simply passed the shop and continued on his way. In South Clock Town, which was just starting to spring to life, he met up with Maria who ironically enough was on her way to see him.) Maria: How'd you sleep? Z: Not great. Maria: If it wasn't for your mouth, you would have had a room. Z: I don't think it was my mouth so much... Anyway, you miss me? Maria: ...Not the attitude. (He smiled.) Maria: I'm glad you found humor in that. Z: Yeah, well, gotta smile about something. By the way, know anything about Powder Kegs? Maria: They explode. Why? Z: Oh, that was helpful. Maria: I mean what do you want me to tell you? Specifics? I don't know, they're bombs. Z: Yeah. Well, the reason I ask is because Kafei told me that Powder Kegs are the only thing that could have taken down his office and the infirmary in a single blast. Maria: Makes sense. Z: I tried checking the Bomb Shop but their hours are all screwed up. Maria: I know. So, did Kafei have anything else to say? Z: Yeah, he did actually. (He told her about Kafei's ex-wife and the possible connection with the Demon.) Maria: ...I guess you want to go to Ikana now. Z: You know me too well, Maria. Maria: ....I was hoping I didn't. Z: Why's that? Maria: Ikana's not the kind of place friendly to strangers... Z: Hostile territory, huh? Maria: More like freaky territory. That place is littered with ghosts, spirits and who knows what else... Z: Sounds like the perfect place to find a demon. Maria: People who go looking for trouble often find it... Z: I guess we'll be a couple of suckers again. It'll be like old times. Let's head out. (She shook her head disapprovingly and said...) Maria: I wanted the old Z back, the old times usually end up with me getting the short end of the stick... (Despite her concerns, he grabbed her arm and led her through East Clock Town and out into Termina Field heading for the supernatural territory of Ikana...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:29:28 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 11 2009, 12:50:09 AM Post #13 |
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Notorious
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(On the way to Ikana, Z noticed the ancient pillars that lined the road. He paid special attention to the detail within the pillar and displayed no hesitation in bringing this to Maria's attention...) Z: You notice that these things have a face? (She glanced at the pillar.) Maria: Uh...Yeah. Z: It's kind of a creepy face, huh? I mean the guy just looks angry, possessed almost, what do you think? (She rolled her eyes at him.) Maria: What are you trying to pull? ...You know I don't want to go to Ikana and you're bringing up all the reasons why... (He patted her on the shoulder.) Z: I'm just trying to show you that there's nothing to be afraid of, come on, you've been through worse. Besides, it's a pillar. What's it gonna do, come out and bite you? (He started laughing but she failed to see the humor and shoved him into one of the pillars. Smiling, he replied...) Z: Temper, temper. Maria: Shut up. (And the two of them went on like that into Ikana. Within the barren wasteland, they reached a towering wall that prevented passage.) Maria: ...Guess we can't go any further. Too bad. (She turned to head back but he quickly grabbed her.) Z: We're not gonna give up that easy. We're not gonna give up at all, actually. See that little branch thing sticking out up there? (She reluctantly looked up and saw the branch he was talking about, sighing as she answered...) Maria: ...Hookshot? Z: You bet. (He pulled out his old Hookshot, grabbed her and launched to the branch, above the wall. There wasn't much room to enjoy the triumph however as a massive boulder rolled down the hill toward them but they were able to dodge it with fast roll. Back on her feet, she gave him an icy stare and he answered the best way he knew, by dragging her up the hill.) Maria: This is exactly why I didn't want to come here! Z: Oh don't give me that, you didn't want to come here because of ghosts, that was a boulder. Maria: Yeah and it could have killed us... Z: ...Wouldn't be the first time. Maria: For normal people, it would be. Z: But we're not "normal" people, remember? I'm a "hero." *Smiles* Maria: And what am I? Z: Beats me. I just made up the hero thing for myself, I was hoping you'd do the same. Maria: ...Clever. (After a few more minutes of walking, they reached the river.) Z: Wow. They actually have water in this place. (She sarcastically replied...) Maria: ...Yeah. Real impressive stuff. Z: Can you just relax? Aside from that boulder, Ikana's been a real letdown. Maria: A letdown? Are you kidding me? You can't feel that? Z: ...No. Maria: It's all around us! Spirits, angry warring spirits, watching our every move. (He squinted at her for a moment and then looked around before looking at her again.) Z: ...Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to bring you here. You're losing it... Maria: You'll see. Believe me, you'll see. Z: Let's hope not. Anyway, before we head up this next "wall," I want to check out what's on the far end of this river. ...You're not gonna stop me, are you? Maria: Not like it would work anyway... Z: Let's go then. (They walked to the far end of the river and found a very interesting sign next to an even more interesting open cave.) "Sakon's Hideout. Protected by impenetrable security!" "David's Hideout." Z: Why would anyone put up a sign near their hideout? Maria: To stop people like us or really you from invading. Z: You make it sound like I'm a bad guy, the bad guy is the guy with a hideout...even if he does have a sign. You think the Demon would be stupid enough to put up a sign? Maria: I don't know. Z: All the more reason to find out. (He grabbed her arm and led her into the cave or "David's Hideout" like the sign read. Ironically, this cave wasn't much of a cave at all. It was trashed and a long, though rundown conveyor belt dominated the entire area. They cautiously proceeded further and reached the end of the belt, which also happened to be a dead end. This led Maria to say...) Maria: ...I guess that's it. (He wasn't ready to just turn around just yet however and continued snooping around the trashy hideout eventually stumbling upon...) "AHH!!!!" (A hidden hole in the ground. He fell of course, reaching out for her the entire way down. A combination of fright and anger resonated within her but she knew she really had only one option...) "AHH!!!!" (They ended up in a dark area that was very much unlike the rest of the cave. But the oddest thing about this area wasn't the darkness, it was the mass of "leaves" or leaf-like plants that littered the floor. Whatever it was, it certainly helped break the fall and made landing a little easier on the body. When she hit the ground or rather "leaves," he asked...) Z: You alright? (She got to her feet and was obviously physically fine but she shook her head angrily at him, ready to roast him with a tirade...) Z: You can't say you didn't know it was coming, though... (She was about to respond when...) "You, You know!" (The strange voice came from down a path to their left. They were freaked out by it but just as they were gaining their composure to head to it....) "SOS!" (Even more freaky, this new voice or group of voices came from beneath them. If they had composure before, they certainly didn't have it now and the two separate sets of voices continued, each seemingly chiming in right after the other had spoken, almost like singing...) "SOS!" "I hear them shoutin'!" Maria: W-w-what is this...? "SOS!" "I hear them cryin'!" Z: ...I have no idea. "SOS!" "I hear them callin'!" Maria: ...That second voice is getting closer. (And the voices stopped for a moment, only a moment.....) "You, you know!" (And with that, a figure leaped into the area they were standing in. It was a lanky human-Stalfo abomination, as it had a Stalfos' head but the rest was human. Or upon closer examination, it was a man wearing a Stalfos mask. The man also held a guitar made entirely of fish bones in his hands as he played and danced around both of them at the same time.) ???: You woke up in a bad man place, you no safe, you could run for days, you can't get away! I bring relief for sorrow and pain, you should never have tried get in my place, Little Warrior! And it's a shame, what a shame... You lose your life, you have no... (At that moment, out of the ground a group of Stalchildren appeared causing both of them to jump back in fear while the mysterious stranger continued his "song".) Stalchildren: No! ???: More! Stalchildren: More! ???: Time! Your destiny... Stalchildren: Nee! ???: Is! Stalchildren: Is! ???: Mine! Hear them callin'! (He grabbed his blade to strike but she held his arm back, choosing instead to watch as the man continued dancing around them while the Stalchildren chimed in their respective parts.) Stalchildren: SOS! ???: I hear them callin'! Stalchildren: SOS! ???: I hear them Shoutin'! Stalchildren: SOS! ???: I hear them cryin'! Stalchildren: SOS! ???: I hear them callin'! (The strange man continued dancing for a few minutes before he stopped, looked at one of the Stalchildren and ripped it's skeletal arm off before dancing in front of Z, holding the arm with it's index-finger pointing at him while he sung...) ???: Hey mister, I've been telling you to be afraid cause this bad man, him have bad news for you today! *Looks at Stalchild* You don't say? It's a shame, what a shame, you lose your life, you have no... Stalchildren: No! ???: More! Stalchildren: More! ???: Time! Your destiny... Stalchildren: Nee! ???: Is! Stalchildren: Is! ???: Mine! Hear them callin'! (By now, Z had seen (And heard) enough. He pulled out his blade and tapped the man on the shoulder with it. The man immediately stopped dancing and singing and the Stalchildren sank back into the ground. The man's slow, jerky movement while turning to face Z was very odd considering how gracefully coordinated he had been while dancing. In any case, he stared into Z's eyes and then lifted up a pile of the "leaves" on the ground and ate them.) Z: ? (After he finished munching on the "leaves," the man swayed from side to side as if he had no sense of balance. If this wasn't off-putting enough, the man simply stopped swaying, stared at Maria and then walked down the path he had originally come from.) Maria: ...Z...What was that?... (He shrugged his shoulders in disbelief but right after the two of them chased this eccentric stranger....) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:30:40 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 11 2009, 06:13:17 PM Post #14 |
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Notorious
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(They followed the path that the stranger had gone down. Like the area they were previously in, the ground was littered with "leaves," although it was odd considering the lack of vegetation in Ikana, they were more concerned with who this stranger was and just what was that little "show" he put on.) Maria: Believe in ghosts now, Z? Z: I never said I didn't believe in them. They obviously exist, I just thought or think really that your rationale about everything else is a little cracked. Maria: ...I'm the one with the problem. Apparently you just didn't see the guy I saw. And that's not even mentioning the bones... Z: Hey, the guy knows how to make an entrance. Weird, no doubt but you can't say it wasn't entertaining. (Not as impressed with the "show" as him, she merely looked to the ceiling and replied...) Maria: ...Yeah. (They reached the end of the path but didn't find the dancing man. What they did find, however, was a long ladder. When they reached the end of the ladder, they found the man they were looking for. He was sitting on the ground with his legs crossed, facing what appeared to be an exit to the cave and no longer had his mask on. All around him were the "leaves" they had seen before.) Maria: *Whispering* ...How do we approach him? Z: *Whispering* We'll just go up to him. He probably knows we're here anyway. (They approached him from behind and cautiously tapped him on his right shoulder. He didn't move. Confused, Z looked at Maria but he could tell that she was ready to run at any time. But being as persistent as he is, he tapped the guy's shoulder again. This time, the man quickly whipped around and looked at him. His face was drawn and weary-looking, his eyes were puffy and green, a familiar green. He was no older than 25, if even that but the wear in his face told a story much older than him....) ???: ...W-watch this. Z and Maria: ? (They were both confused but watched as the man held a pile of "leaves" in his left hand and blew on them. Instantly, they caught fire alarming them as they jumped back but the man calmly held the fire in his hand, allowing it to burn for several minutes before blowing it out.) (Realizing that they were now keeping their distance, the man motioned for them to come with his right hand while he kept the other clenched. When they finally came near, he opened his hand revealing two butterflies made out of the "leaves.") Maria: ...Wow. How did you do that? That's amazing. (He didn't respond. He simply held his hand out, signaling the two of them to grab their respective butterfly. They did so cautiously and felt around the edges of the leafy butterfly, astonished at the man's feat. They kept doing this until he spoke...) ???: It's the Nirn. (They both looked at him. But he quickly turned around again, staring into the light.) Z: Hey, what did you say? (He didn't answer.) Maria: Yeah, what was that? (Again, no answer. Z shrugged his shoulders and walked in front of the man to speak with him but to his surprise, his eyes were closed. He was sleeping.) Z: ? Maria...He's asleep. Maria: What? (She walked in front of the man and just as Z said, he was asleep.) ???: Zzz.... Zzz.... (He poked the man's arm with his blade to try and wake him but it was no good. Whoever he was, this man was a true oddity and they decided that it would be best to simply leave him alone but just as they were walking away...) ???: Watch. (He spoke again. They turned to see what he was up to next. This time, the man grabbed some more of the "leaves" and ate them. Seconds later, he stood up and started slowly walking towards them.) Maria: What's he doing...? (Naturally, they were both freaked out by this behavior and got in position to start running but they stopped once he walked past them and exited the cave. They followed him and just as the light from the sun hit him, he fell to his knees with his eyes closed. In this position, he held his hands to the sun and each of his finger tips burned. They kept their distance again as he dug his burning finger tips into the ground and started moving them around. He was drawing. After a few more minutes of this he stopped and his finger tips no longer burned.) Z: ...You think we should check it out? (She shook her head, "No.") Z: Yeah...This is a little weird. (But the man motioned for them to come and they reluctantly did. And saw the work he made, again it was butterflies, two beautiful butterflies.) ???: ...It's the Nirn. It's beautiful. Don't you think? (He was talking again. They took this opportunity to try and figure out who he was and what exactly this "Nirn" was.) Maria: It is beautiful. But what is the "Nirn?" ???: Beautiful music. Beautiful people. Beautiful life. (He pulled out some "leaves" from his pocket and ate them.) Z: ...The leaves. Are those leaves the "Nirn?" (He turned and looked at Z and with a peaceful glow in his expression, he answered...) ???: It gets me through... (They didn't really understand but they questioned him further.) Z: What is your name? Are you David? ???: ...Yes. Z: Ok. David, um, do you know anything about a woman disappearing in the graveyard here? Maria: *Whispering* You sure it's saf... David: The House that chimes beautiful music. That is the only woman I know in Ikana... Z: Um...What house? David: ...Listen. (Z listened and he heard the faintest echo of music.) Z: I hear it. Maria, do you hear it? (Listening for a few moments, she replied...) Maria: Uh....Yeah, yeah I hear it now. Where's it coming from? David: The House that chimes beautiful music, of course. *Turns to Maria* But...You are beautiful too. (She blushed and smiled and he went on...) David: If only I were an old man, then I could drop things and watch as you pick them up for me. I could get away with much... But not as a young man, no, only as an old one. *Chuckles* (Stunned by his bluntness, her eyes widened, she looked at Z but he only shook his head and laughed. Anyone else and he may have taken offense but for some reason, David's remarks seemed harmless and he left it at that.) Z: Where is the house David? David: Listen closely and you'll feel it as you get near. Z: Alright. But who lives in the house? David: Beauty. Z: ...Beauty? (But he didn't answer, in fact, he...) "Zzz..." "Zzz..." (Fell asleep again.) Z: Hey! David, wake up! (He shook him to try and wake him but it was useless, he was in a deep sleep. Strangely enough, even for David's standards, he started strumming the strings of his fish bone guitar. Seeing this, Z looked at Maria, she shrugged her shoulders in response and the two of them walked off.) Maria: ...I didn't even get a chance to ask him how he did those things with the fire... David: A good man never reveals his secrets! (She looked back at him but he was still sleeping.) Z: Don't even worry about it, let's just go. You still have your butterfly, though? (She showed him her butterfly.) Z: Good. Don't lose it, alright? Maria: ...You're more likely to lose it than me. Z: You're right. You should keep mine so I don't lose it. Maria: Ok. (He handed her his butterfly, she took it and put it in her pouch.) Z: Thanks. Maria: I'm glad to see you're in a better mood than yesterday. Z: ...I guess I just needed some rest and time away from everybody. (It wasn't necessarily an easy thing for her to hear but she took it as her chance to get to him finally open up...) Maria: You ready to tell me what's been bothering you yet? (He smiled and said...) Z: I'm in a good mood, Maria, let's keep it that way. Maria: There's nothing wrong with opening up. (He realized the road they were heading down so he decided to stop it by saying...) Z: Later, ok? Maria: Alright... (They headed down the path they had come from and reached the part of the river with a bridge crossing to the other side. He stopped and listened...) Maria: What? Z: Shh... Listen. You can hear it. (She listened and heard the music as well as the flowing river.) Maria: I do hear it. *Points up* It's up there. Z: Yup. Come on. (He crossed the bridge and pulled out his Hookshot to launch himself up but when he reached out to grab her, she wasn't there. She was still on the other side of the bridge.) Z: Come on! What are you waiting for? (Much to his dismay, she started shaking her head, "No.") Maria: This is Ikana, remember? I already got freaked out once, I'm not going up there to get another scare.... Z: What the hell are you talking about? You were fine a few minutes ago. Maria: Yeah, that was before I remembered where I'm at. Maybe that "Nirn" stuff got to me, I don't know but I really just don't want to go up there. I mean think about it, "the house where music chimes", what kind of house chimes music, Z!? (He was disappointed but he wasn't gonna argue either so he simply said...) Z: ...Fine. I'll go by myself. (He aimed his Hookshot but...) Maria: Wait! (She ran across the bridge and grabbed him. He looked at her and laughed, saying...) Z: You know the person who's not scared always has the upper hand, right? Maria: He's also the person most likely to die.... Z: ...Whatever. (She held on to him as he launched them to the top of the "wall." Upon reaching, they immediately spotted the house with it's prominent horn sticking out playing it's music as well as the river flowing plentifully across the area. They also took notice of the eerie doors leading to the Ancient Castle of Ikana and the Stone Towers.) Maria: That's the house... Z: Come on. Maria: Don't you think this whole thing is eerie, though? Look at this place! What kind of "beauty" would live in a place like this!? (He ignored her for the most part and they crept through the area toward the house. Reaching the rundown Music Box House, they knocked but received no answer...) Z: Hmm...? (He knocked again. Like before, no answer...) Maria: Z... Come on, let's go. (He knocked again... This time...) "AHH!!!!!" (They were yanked inside by a mummified hand....) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 06:32:23 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 15 2009, 12:00:28 AM Post #15 |
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Notorious
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(Now inside the Music Box House, a group of five Gibdos circled around them. Z pulled out his blade, got to his feet and grabbed Maria's hand.) Z: ...What are these things?... Maria: Just kill them! Z: I think... HAH!! (He slashed at one Gibdo daring enough to lunge at them. The other four continued to move inward toward them, stretching their arms out to grab Maria, in particular.) Maria: Z! What the hell are you doing!? Attack! (Again, he went on the offensive, chopping two of the Gibdos in half. Now only two left, he let go of her hand and went to work...) Z: HAH! YAH!! (The two Gibdos let out their signature howls and fell to the ground. With the monsters defeated, he put his sword away and looked at her.) Z: You ok? Maria: ...Fine. Z: Good. (No longer under attack, they had time to search their surroundings and find out what this strange house was all about.) Maria: I told you we shouldn't have come in here. There's nothing here, Z. Nothing we'd want to find at least... (While she continued complaining about the house, he searched around but much to his chagrin, he found nothing of interest.) Z: *Looking around* Alright... I'll give you that. There's not much here. But still, why would David say.... Maria: David? Are you kidding me? The guy was a nut and we're morons for following what he said. Actually, you're a moron for following what he said, I was just too much of a chicken to go against it. Z: Glad you admit that. Maria: Eat it up while you can, Z. Z: Oh, I will. Maria: Alright, come on, let's go. We've already established that nothing's here. Z: *Looking around* Hold on. Now, let's make sure. (She looked at the ceiling in disgust while he performed a final inspection of the house. After accidentally dropping an old vase on the floor, an odd sound was heard. Curious, he repeatedly banged his foot on the spot where the vase had fallen and then on another.) Maria: What are you doing? Z: You didn't hear that sound when the vase dropped? It's hollow. There's something underneath. Maria: *Sigh* ...Z, let's just go already. Z: We'll leave once we find out what's under here. Come over here and give me a hand. Maria: Fine... (She reluctantly went over to help him pull the floor up. The two of them struggled with it for a few minutes before they finally got it up, revealing what he had suspected, a basement.) Z: See? I was right. Maria: You can be right all you want, just know that I'm not going down there. (He looked at her as if to say, "What kind of attitude is that?" but he simply shrugged it off and went into the basement on his own.) Z: *Sniff* The hell is that smell...? (An awful smell filled the basement and he was determined to find it's source. He searched around the dreary basement, stumbling upon an old closet which seemed to house the smell.) Z: Aww...Aww...Man, that stench is killing me.... (While covering his nose, he opened the closet and found....) Z: Eww... What happened to her? (A dead woman rested inside, she'd been dead for a while judging by how far decomposition had progressed. It was an awful though intriguing sight for him as he figured this may have been the "Beauty" David was referring to...) Maria: *From afar* Jeez....What is that smell!? Z: It's a dead woman! Maria: ...A dead woman? Z: Yeah. Come down and check it out. (She said no more and came down to the basement while he searched around the woman's body. After spotting the body, she disgustedly said...) Maria: ...Awful. Z: Someone really had it in for her... Maria: You think those freaks from upstairs... Z: No. Look at these wounds. (He showed her the marks on the woman's body.) Z: A blade did her in. But I'd guess she was beaten pretty badly with someone's fist before then. Those things upstairs didn't attack us in that fashion. Maria: You're probably right. Z: You think this is the beauty David was talking about? Maria: Just going by what we've seen, I'd say yeah. Z: Hmm... Kafei's ex-wife went missing here in Ikana and someone obviously didn't want this woman being found, you think this could be her? Maria: For Kafei's sake, I hope not... Z: And that still leaves the Demon... Maria: He could very well be responsible for this, it is a senseless act of violence... Z: Let's not judge too quickly, we don't know who this woman is or why she was killed. All we know is that she's dead. Maria: So what do we do now? Z: We'll take her ba... Maria: Take her? Z, we can't just drag this lady along with us! Z: Why not? If it is Kafei's wife, I'm sure he'd like to know her fate. Maria: You're missing the entire point. For one thing, how are we gonna get her to Clock Town? Just getting up here was a job in itself, you think going down is gonna be any easier and with a dead woman to boot? (She was right and he had no choice but to accept it.) Z: ...Well, we'll just describe her to Kafei then. Maria: Now that sounds like an idea. (He looked at the woman's body further and paid careful attention to the slice marks while she watched with curiosity.) Maria: What are you doing? Z: Checking her wounds again. Whoever did this used a dagger or short sword. Maria: How can you tell? Z: The size for one thing, dagger slices are naturally a lot smaller than those of a long blade. Plus, the wound around her neck, the one I suspect finished her is your typical throat slash, usually carried out with a smaller blade of some sort. Maria: ...I see. (He searched the woman's pockets for anything of interest but only found some stamps. Finished checking her, he got up and turned to Maria, who was already on her way up the stairs.) Z: Not gonna wait for me? (She looked back at him.) Maria: Aren't you finished? Z: Yeah but... Nothing. (She turned back around and continued heading up the stairs with him following behind. Back upstairs, they decided it would be best to leave the house the way they found it, minus the broken vase, of course. Once they were through with the floor, they left. The sun was setting and being in Ikana at night was very unsettling for Maria...) Maria: Man, it's already getting dark! We should have left when I said... Z: *Sarcastically* You sure you don't wanna do anymore exploring? Maria: *Sigh* Seriously, can we just go? Z: Sorry. I'm just trying to have a little fun with you, that's all. (Although he really did want to explore the area a little more, he realized she was really scared so he cut her some slack and together they traveled down the canyon, reaching the river just as the sun completely set.) Z: *Looking at Maria* You ok? Maria: ...Yup. Z: Ok, not much farther. (They continued moving forward, dodging a few stray boulders before reaching the edge of the wall they had climbed earlier.) Maria: So...how are we gonna get down? Z: Uh... Maria: Don't say "jump." Z: No, no, I mean it is a long way down, it's just... I don't see any other way. Maria: Let's find one then. (They looked around the edge of the wall for any type of "safe" way down but found nothing. Again, they were left with only one real option...) Z: Well, Maria... Maria: Let's just get it over with... (He extended his hand and she took it. After a deep breath, they leaped down the wall and landed disastrously on the ground, both rolling several feet away from each other before finally stopping. Once she regained her sense of balance, she called out to him...) Maria: Z! (He rose and looked at her.) Z: ...Ugh... Wha...? (She walked over to him.) Maria: Nothing broken right? Z: No... It just hurt like hell. You're ok, though, right? Maria: Yeah, I'm fine. Z: Alright... (Both ok, they continued on their way back to Clock Town but as they were walking, he felt someone watching them. Uneasy, he turned his head to see if his suspicions were warranted but nothing was there...) Z: ...Nothing. Maria: What? Z: I felt like someone was watching us, I looked back but nobody was there so... Guess it was just my imagination. (She had a nervous look in her eyes as she said...) Maria: Alright, I think I've had enough of Ikana for a lifetime, let's just get out of here... (He took another look back before replying...) Z: Yeah... Me too. Maria: Finally something sensible comes out of your mouth... Z: Of course, you'd say that... (With that last sarcastic remark, they exited the ominous territory of Ikana and made their way for Clock Town once again...) Edited by Bx, Jun 6 2009, 01:02:32 AM.
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| Bx | Mar 17 2009, 05:51:24 PM Post #16 |
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Notorious
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(A little over an hour later, they reached Clock Town and entered the East Gate. It was night, of course and most citizens were in their homes.) Maria: We're heading to the western part of town? Z: Yeah. Everyone should be there. Maria: Ok. (As they walked through East Clock Town, they noticed Kafei's ruined office building, the cleanup process had already begun as some of the debris was gone. But aside from that, everything was the same and they simply moved through this section of town and entered South Clock Town.) (Just as East Clock Town had been, the southern section was quiet with barely anyone around. With nothing going on, they quickly walked through this part of town and made their way to West Clock Town.) (It was a little more lively here, a group of performers were practicing their routine but aside from that, all was peaceful here. They ran down the path and reached the Trading Post or as a new sign read, "Mayor Kafei's Office.") Z: So they've officially turned this place into Kafei's new office? Maria: Where's the Trading Post now? (A few feet down they saw another new sign, this one referred to the old Curiosity Shop as the "Trading Post.") Z: There's your answer. (He turned the knob to "Kafei's Office" door but it was locked. He knocked on the door and moments later Nabooru opened and let them in. Inside, all of the Sages except Rauru were in the main area.) Nabooru: Where did you two run off to? Z: Ikana. Impa: Isn't that the land of the dead? Z: That's what they say. Ruto: Why didn't you tell anyone where you were going? Z: Didn't see the need to. Ruto: But Ikana's a very dangerous place, you really should have... (He looked at her coldly.) Z: We're here, we're alive, that's all that matters. Ruto: Don't look at me like that, Z. And Saria told us how you talked to her this morning, she deserves an apology. (He glared over at Saria, she was sitting on a chair avoiding eye contact with him...) Z: Fine. I'm sorry, Saria. (His emotionless apology left everyone in the room shaking their heads. But he didn't care and walked to the back without saying anything else. Maria started to chase after him but Darunia stopped her...) Maria: *Looking at Darunia* Wha...? Darunia: Just let him go. *Sigh* ...What happened out there? Maria: I don't get it. He was fine for most of the day... You know, he was joking around and stuff... Darunia: So nothing happened out there? (She explained everything that happened in Ikana.) Maria: ...I just don't see why he's so upset now. (Olivia and Raphael were sitting in the back. They were somewhat surprised to see Z when he entered.) Olivia: Hey, Z. (He looked at her and coldly replied...) Z: Hello. (She was put off by his cold expression but Raphael wasn't intimidated and questioned him.) Raphael: Where have you been? The uh...Sages or whatever were worried about you. Z: Ikana. Is Kafei back there? Raphael: Yeah. But uh...What were you doing in Ikana? Z: Chasing demons. Raphael: You mean the "Silent Demon?" You actually went after him? Z: I went digging around, that's all. (He didn't allow him to utter his response as he walked off toward Kafei's newly created office. Without knocking, he entered and inside, Kafei was sitting behind a desk, his charred face covered by a yellow fox mask...) Kafei: Z? Um...What's up? Anything new? (He was still upset but since Kafei wasn't the reason this time, he changed his expression and sat down in the chair in front of the desk.) Z: What's with the mask? Kafei: Oh, it's a Keaton Mask. When um... Well, a long time ago, I wore a mask like this all the time. Z: Something to hide? Kafei: Ha. Just my face. *Sigh* ...I never thought I'd have to wear it again to be honest with you. Z: That's not the one from your old office, is it? Kafei: No. I'm sure that one is probably more badly charred than my face. Z: Anyway, I was out all day with Maria at Ikana. (Kafei sat up in his chair.) Kafei: Find anything? Z: Describe your wife. (He sank back in his chair and put his hands over his mask...) Kafei: No... No...P-p-please don't tell me t-t-this... Z: Please, just describe her for me... (He was a mess however and kept rambling the same thing repeatedly...) Kafei: It's all my fault... Damn it, it's all my fault!! (Angered by his actions, Z stood up and shook his shoulders to help him regain sight of reality...) Kafei: ...Huh? Z: *Sigh* Your wife. I didn't say anything happened to her... Just describe her for me. (Although he couldn't actually see his expression behind the mask, Z knew that his words relaxed him as the tension in his shoulders went away. So he let go of him and sat back in his seat...) Kafei: ...You didn't see my wife? Z: No. I just want to know what she looks like so if I do... Kafei: Reddish hair, although I suspect it's graying by now... And oh...the bluest eyes... Like the ocean almost... Z: Alright, that's enough. ...It's not her. Kafei: What? Z: Maria and I found some woman dead in Ikana. Kafei: A woman? In Ikana? No... Z: What happened? You know her? (Kafei started shaking his head before placing it on the desk. Once again, he seemed very disturbed by the information Z had given him...) Z: Who was she? (He looked up at him and sighed...) Kafei: ...Did she have dark brown hair and freckles?... Z: Yeah, she did. (He started shaking his head again. Curious, Z angrily asked...) Z: Kafei, who was she!? (He pulled himself together and answered...) Kafei: ...Pamela. A friend of Anju's. Her father did much research on the spirits of Ikana before he passed years ago. When he died, Pamela moved here to Clock Town, her and Anju developed a friendship... She moved back to her old home in Ikana just recently.... Z: Hmm... Kafei: ...How did she die? Z: All signs point to murder. She was badly beaten and her throat was slashed. We found her rotting in an old closet in the basement, the funny thing is, the basement was boarded up. Without a little clumsiness on my part, we would've never found her body. Kafei: But who...? She was so sweet... Who'd want to murder her? Z: I was hoping you'd know. But whoever did it, didn't want her being found... Kafei: *Sigh* ...More death. I can't take much more of this... Everything's gotten so complicated. Z: Do you think Damian had something to do with Pamela's death? Kafei: I don't know. Z: I don't know either. Like I said before, the guy who did it wanted to keep it a secret but if Damian was trying to send you a message...Why would he hide the body? Kafei: ... Z: Maria mentioned the Demon as a possible suspect but... (Kafei perked himself up a bit after hearing this.) Kafei: She's right, I forgot about him! He may have been the one. You said you saw him traveling in the direction of Ikana, right? Z: Yeah but... Kafei: It explains it all. Another senseless homicide... Z: Hmm... Kafei: What? Z: Well... There's another element to all of this and a pretty strange one at that... Kafei: Well what is it? Z: Some guy named David, we met him in his hideout in Ikana. The guy's a real whack job, kept mentioning "The Nirn" or something like that. It was really weird, he also could control fire or... I don't know how to describe it, it was just weird. (Kafei merely nodded his head repeatedly as Z spoke.) Z: The reason he's in all of this is because he told us about the house Pamela lived in and mentioned something about a "Beauty." I assume he was referring to her. Kafei: Well... He certainly seems like an interesting character. (Z was a little surprised at the calm tone of his answer.) Z: Uh... That's all you have to say? Kafei: ...What else is there to say? If he killed Pamela or had anything to do with it, I will bring him to justice. Z: Yeah... (He got up and started walking to the door.) Kafei: Wait a minute, what about the Powder Kegs? Did you learn anything new? Z: No. The Bomb Shop is only open at night... Kafei: ...I see. Oh and Z... Z: Yeah? Kafei: The other members of the Grand Council have decided to have a meeting with me tomorrow. They never specified the exact reasons but...I know why. ...Should I lose my position... Z: I'll still be on the hunt for Damian. Whether you lose your position or not doesn't really matter to me, I'm not doing this for you. Kafei: ...Thank you. (He left the room and saw Olivia and Raphael still sitting around, Maria was now with them however. Seeing him, she asked...) Maria: How's Kafei doing? Z: The same. He's just wearing a mask now. Maria: A mask? Z: It's a fox. Suits his personality pretty well now that I think about it. Maria: Well, what did he say about the body? Z: It's not his wife. (Both Olivia and Raphael looked at him with curiosity.) Raphael: ...You found a body? Olivia: *Looks at Maria* You didn't tell us about that. Maria: I was getting to that, I just started telling you what happened... Z: Anyway, yeah, we found a dead body in that strange Music House in Ikana. Turns out it was a woman named Pamela, an old friend of Kafei's ex-wife. Maria: Really? Z: Yeah. *Looks at Olivia and Raphael* You guys didn't know her did you? (They both answered in unison...) Raphael & Olivia: No. Z: Didn't think so but it was worth asking, I guess... Raphael: She was murdered? The woman, that is. Z: Looks like it. Badly beaten from what I could tell and slice marks all over her body. Plus, the body was pretty meticulously hidden in the basement, she wasn't meant to be found, at least that's how the killer intended. Olivia: Could it have been the demon? Z: It's a possibility but... I won't say for sure. Maria: Yeah, David... (Z noticed Olivia's eyes widen at the mention of David's name.) Z: ...Olivia, you know David? (When she looked up at him, he could tell that she was taken aback by the question and she was hesitant, sighing before she answered....) Olivia: ...That depends. Z: On what? Olivia: ...What did he do? Z: The guy was nuts... He kept talking about "The Nirn" and it looked like he had the ability to control fire and that's not even mentioning that song... (She sighed, closed her eyes and started shaking her head...) Z: Who is he? (She opened her eyes again and looked at him.) Olivia: ...He's an addict. *Sigh* And also my older brother... (She stared at the ground while Raphael patted her back.) Z: What do you mean "an addict?" (She looked at Z again, asking...) Olivia: You don't know what Nirn is? Z: No. Olivia: It's a plant that grows in Termina... They say if ingested the effects are mind boggling, literally. Maria: ...We noticed. Olivia: Yeah... His mind is gone. Completely warped by that plant. *Sigh* ...That's why I said my brother was his "own man," earlier Z. (He felt bad, terrible actually, here this girl was dealing with poverty, rape, death and to top it all off, an estranged addict of an older brother... But her resiliency and composure despite all of that was remarkable and his admiration for her grew with each moment.) Z: ...I'm sorry for you, Olivia. I'm not sure what else to say... Raphael: Don't be. She doesn't want you to pity her, Z. She's not alone, she has me. (He hugged Olivia tightly.) Z: Sorry, I just... Olivia: It's alright, don't worry about it. Z: Don't think of me as cold for asking but...Why? Olivia: David wasn't always like that. *Smiles* He was a pretty good brother, actually. Sure, he bullied me but what big brother doesn't? He left when I was 9, he was 16 and on his way to become the apprentice to a famous magician in Woodfall... Maria: So he liked magic? Olivia: Liked? *Smiles* No, he loved magic. Illusions. That was his specialty. Z: So what happened? Olivia: All I know is, the next time I saw him, he was...no longer my brother. I don't know any other way to explain it... A fiend. An absolute fiend. (Z sighed and scratched his head while he asked...) Z: And the last time you saw him? Olivia: Oh, I'd say...at least two or three years ago. Barely knew who our parents were and me? Forget about it... Maria: That's a sad story... Olivia: Oh well, I'm getting used to them... And if he offended you in anyway, I apologize. (Maria looked at Z.) Z: He didn't. He was really nice actually, gave us two butterflies from that plant. Olivia: ...You sure? (Maria dug in her pockets...) Maria: Yeah, I've uh... got them....? Z, you gave them to me, right? Z: Yeah. You don't have them? Maria: I thought I di... Olivia: Wow, even now he still practices... Z: What? Olivia: Whatever you saw was an illusion. I said it before, my brother was great at deceiving people, I didn't know he still practiced though... (They heard what she said but couldn't believe it.) Maria: ? But we felt them! How...? Olivia: He's good. Z: So that means... Maria, the song and dance, do you think...? Maria: Who knows... (His brain froze for a moment as he pondered his encounter with David.) Z: ...Whoa. That's freaky... (Olivia smiled.) Olivia: That's my brother for you. (No matter how much he thought about it, he still couldn't believe it. But once he regained his grasp on the situation, he realized that this startling news about David complicated the mystery even more...) Edited by Bx, Jun 7 2009, 09:55:25 AM.
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| Bx | Mar 19 2009, 03:56:41 PM Post #17 |
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Notorious
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(After learning about David's past, Z sat with the others and continued going over the details of Pamela's death and their relation to the suspects involved, including David.) Z: David said that "Beauty" lived in the house where we found Pamela's body. Olivia, does that have any significance for you? Olivia: No. Sounds like he was referring to that woman, though. Z: I know, I just thought you might have had more insight on it. Olivia: David's been out of my life since I was little. If the word "Beauty" does have more significance to it, I wouldn't know. But honestly, I just think that was his distorted way of telling you that woman lived in the house. Z: I guess that's all we can assume for now. Maria: I still say our best guess is that the Demon did it... (He looked at her and asked...) Z: Why do you say that? Maria: The violent manner of the killing not to mention we did find her in Ikana and who did you see heading towards Ikana? The Demon. Z: That just... I don't know, it just seems a little too convenient. Raphael: What do you mean? Weren't you guys chasing after that son of a bitch? Z: Not exactly. Raphael: But you said... Z: I know what I said. Listen, I understand that you have a bone to pick with the guy but I'm trying to find out what's going on here, I have to be objective. (Olivia gave him a funny look.) Olivia: ...You think it's Damian, don't you? Z: I'm leaning in that direction. (She rolled her eyes in disgust.) Z: What's the matter? Olivia: You just don't get it, do you?... Z: Get what? Olivia: Everything! I warned you not to get involved, not because I don't think you can stop him but because I've see what happens to people who've tried... Z: Damian destroyed Kafei's office and... Olivia: You don't know that for sure! Z: My friends could have... Olivia: Your friends are still alive. Z: You're right, they are. Olivia: All signs of that explosion point to Damian, I know that but you said it yourself, the timing was deliberate. You went to the Underground and started poking your nose in places you shouldn't have. Did it ever cross your mind that maybe he was sending you a message with that explosion? That just like that, he could have taken your friends' lives but he didn't. If I were you, I'd consider that a warning... (He thought about what her words and she continued speaking.) Olivia: Even above ground, everyone knows he's got people watching... No one knows who they are but they're out there. (Maria had a nervous look in her eyes that Z noticed before he walked out of the room and into the hallway, this time however it was Raphael and not her who followed after him.) Raphael: Hey. (He turned to face him, asking...) Z: What? Raphael: You've got to understand something, Olivia's seen a lot in the past couple of years and she's not trying to be overbearing or telling you what to do, she just doesn't want to see anyone else hurt because of this guy... Z: I'm not upset. She's right. I just need some time to think... Raphael: Alright, man. I understand. Take it easy. (He went back to the room and Z continued down the hallway entering the area where the Sages were staying. They were all sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags except for Nabooru, who was standing by the door.) Nabooru: ...I won't ask why you've become so bitter but just understand that whatever we did, we did it out of both love and respect for people we cared for, including you. Z: ... (Nabooru walked over to her sleeping bag and laid down. He looked at her as he passed but didn't speak. He quietly opened the door and went outside....) (As it was now past 11:00 p.m., no one was out, not even the performers who were practicing earlier. Looking at one of the many clocks on the wall of the city, he saw that the Bomb Shop was now open but as he walked toward it, Olivia's words kept ringing in his head...) (Still, he reached the shop and checked the sign to make sure it was open. It was and he paused for a minute before entering. Inside, it was a dark, dirty, damp, shady-looking establishment with boxes scattered all over the place and murky gray walls. Despite it's appearance, he walked over to the counter and met the owner, a rough-looking guy in 30's who continuously juggled two unlit miniature bombs in his hand.) Owner: You're out late, kid. Looking to cause a little trouble? Heh. Just kidding, what can I help you with? (Z looked around at the store's inventory, he saw all types of explosives ranging from your standard bombs to types he'd never seen before but no Powder Kegs. So he questioned the owner...) Z: Yeah... Do you guys sell Powder Kegs? (The Owner shook his head, "No.") Owner: That's not our area, kid. You new in town? Z: ...Kinda. Owner: Yeah, well, you see Powder Kegs are a very, very potent explosive but here in Clock Town, they don't sell very well so we stopped receiving shipments. Z: I see. So who supplied you guys with the shipments? Owner: The Gorons, of course. Over in Snowhead, they handle everything dealing with Powder Kegs. Z: Snowhead? Owner: I guess you're new to all of Termina. Anyway, Snowhead is the mountain range to the north. Z: So... It always snows there? Owner: No. The winters are long and everything but right now, the mountain has mild weather. (He was relieved to hear this. He'd experienced enough snow for a lifetime six months ago in Hyrule.) Z: That's good to know. Hey, where should I go to find where the Powder Kegs are sold? Owner: Well, the Goron Village, of course. They sell them there but...why are you so interested in Powder Kegs? You have to be extremely strong to carry them alone, that's why they're popular with the Gorons and nobody else. Z: I was just wondering... (The owner didn't buy his answer but left it at that.) Z: Thanks, man. (As he started heading for the door, the owner called out to him..) Owner: Hey! You sure you don't wanna buy anything? (He didn't answer and left the shop. Out of the corner of his left eye, he saw someone....) Z: Hmm? (He turned his head to see who it was and to his surprise...) Z: It's him... (The man in black, the Demon, was sitting on the ground near the Post Office watching him. Z was alarmed but didn't know what to do, the Demon obviously saw him but he wasn't moving. Instinctively, Z started walking toward him...) (As he was approaching him, the man stood up, revealing a large black sword not seen before. With Z now only a few feet from him, the man quickly exited the West Gate and Z, more curious than ever chased him...) Z: Hey! Hey!! (The weight of his large sword seemed to slow him down as Z nearly caught up with him out in Termina Field until a horse appeared from the direction of Great Bay. The man hopped on and rode off in the direction of Snowhead. Z stopped chasing when he realized his efforts were futile and bent over to catch his breath...) Z: *Breathing heavily* ...Damn. (But just as he was beginning to relax...He heard the sound of the hooves racing back at him. He looked up and saw the Demon and his horse charging at him...) Z: !? (Frightened, he attempted to roll out of the way but he was too slow, the horse crashed into him, sending him into the air, spinning like a propeller out of control.) Z: ...Shit! (After a destructive landing, he was paralyzed for a few moments. When he finally regained feeling throughout his body, he turned his head and saw the Demon, sitting atop his horse watching him.) Z: Ugh... (He tried getting up several times but his body hurt like hell. Like before however, the man didn't take advantage of this opportunity and simply rode off...) Z: ...? (He watched him until he disappeared and fell asleep...) Edited by Bx, Jun 8 2009, 06:39:05 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 21 2009, 02:09:23 PM Post #18 |
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Notorious
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(The next morning Z awakened to the sound of Maria's voice yelling his name. Groggy and still sore, he opened his eyes and sat up slowly seeing that he was back in West Clock Town outside of the Trading Post. She was standing a few feet away and ran toward him when she saw him awake.) Maria: Z! (He felt the cuts on his back as she reached him.) Maria: You ok? Z: Better than last night. Maria: We were worried. You didn't come back. Raphael went out and found you knocked out in Termina Field. What were you doing out there? Z: ...I had a run in with the Demon. Maria: Are you serious!? Z: Yeah. (A look of concern came over her face and she asked...) Maria: Well, what happened!? Z: After I left, I checked out the Bomb Shop to see what I could find out about Powder Kegs and when I left the store, I saw him sitting by the Post Office watching me... Maria: And then? (He grabbed his back and let out a painful howl. Maria became nervous and started rubbing his back to try and ease his pain...) Maria: Are you ok!? Z: Ahh.... *Sigh* Yeah. Yeah, I'll be alright. Thanks. (She took her hand from his back and he continued to explain what happened.) Z: ...Anyway, I started walking towards him, he ran and then I chased him. I almost had him until he got on his horse and fled...At least I thought he fled. Maria: He came back? Z: He ran over me with that horse of his. And then all I really remember is lying on the ground watching him watch me and then he left... Just like before. Maria: ...Strange. (He took the time now to really reflect on last night's events. Things weren't adding up, each hour that passed seemed to bring more complexity... She was still worried about the state of his health and questioned him when she saw his blank gaze...) Maria: You're ok, right, Z? (He continued staring for a moment before he realized she said something and looked at her.) Z: ...Huh? Maria: I asked if you were ok. You are, aren't you? Z: Oh. Yeah, Maria, really I'm fine. I was just daydreaming. Maria: Alright... (She wasn't satisfied with that answer but didn't want to incur his wrath either so she accepted it and moved on.) Maria: What did you find out about the Powder Kegs at the Bomb Shop? Z: There aren't any. Apparently, only the Gorons sell them in their village. Maria: ...In Snowhead. Z: Yup. Maria: And let me guess, you want to go to Snowhead now? Z: Can't say it didn't cross my mind. Maria: What about the Demon? Z: After yesterday, I've got a feeling that he'll find us before we find him... (He stood up and stretched, letting out another, though less painful sounding howl. She opened the door to the Trading Post and they walked inside. The Sages were up, tending to a very pale, sickly Rauru who upon seeing Z called out to him...) Rauru: *Breathing heavily* Z...! (The Sages moved away from him while Z approached.) Z: Yes, Rauru? (Rauru coughed several times before answering. Although his past actions displayed an obvious resentment for the Sages, Z couldn't stand seeing him like this. Every cough was a tragic reminder that his end was near. It was hard staying angry with the Sages with Rauru like this but his wounds still hadn't healed and his stubbornness wouldn't allow acceptance of the past...) Rauru: I, I don't think I...*Huff* saw you yesterday. How...*Cough* *Cough* (He looked away as Rauru coughed nonstop for the next couple of minutes. Saria ran over to try and assist him but the old Sage waved her off. She displayed her disappointment in Z's attitude with a disapproving glare before walking back to the others. He felt her frustration but didn't let it in and in what could only be described as an act of cowardice, he walked away from Rauru...) (Just starting to get over his cough, Rauru saw him walking away and like the clueless, hapless, pathetic old man he had become, he innocently yelled out to him....) Rauru: How *Cough* ...is the good country? (Z stopped and turned to look at him, ignoring the other faces in the room, each wearing the same expression Saria had when she passed him. Rauru was the only one smiling, it was eerie, here was this man seeing his last days smiling while his peers, facing a less concrete fate could only frown. And as the eerie vibe settled in the room, the thought of having to answer Rauru's question plagued his mind for that brief moment before he finally answered...) Z: ...She is well. (And he walked off. On his way to the back, Nabooru's words from the previous evening, "...I won't ask why you've become so bitter but just understand that whatever we did, we did it out of both love and respect for people we cared for, including you." never rang truer. He knowing lied to Rauru about the state of Hyrule because he felt given the circumstances, it would be best for him. This persisting thought forced him to question the basis of his own anger...) (In the back, he found Olivia sitting alone with her chessboard.) Z: What are you doing? (She looked up at him.) Olivia: Oh, hey Z. I'm just practicing. Z: By yourself? *Looks around* Where's Raphael? Olivia: He went out. And is it that strange that I'm practicing by myself? Z: Well, yeah... I think so. Playing by yourself can't be like playing with another person. Olivia: You're right, it's not. But...It does have it's uses. *Smiles* Anyway, sit down and play. Take your mind off of things. Z: I'll pass. Olivia: Look at you. You're obviously stressed out. You need to relax especially after such a long night. Z: ... Olivia: You might as well tell me what happened. Z: ...Fine. After I left... Olivia: No, no. Sit down first. Z: ...Why? Olivia: Come on, Z. I'm trying to help you. (He mumbled under his breath but reluctantly sat down across from her.) Olivia: Chess is a very relaxing game, you know. Z: Not when you know you're gonna lose. (She laughed and said...) Olivia: Aww... I didn't know you were such a sore loser. Z: ...I'm not. Olivia: Winning's not everything, Z. Z: It's easy to say that when you always win. Olivia: True... But we've only played once. How do you know last time wasn't a fluke? Z: I know it wasn't. (Smiling, she replied...) Olivia: Again, true... But hey, look at it this way, you can't beat me at chess and I can't beat you at fighting. We're even. Z: Yeah, I guess that's true. How did you get so good anyway? Olivia: Practice. I always used to see David get beat by his friends when they played so one day, I asked him to teach me. He did. And then I found out why he could never beat his friends. (She chuckled.) Olivia: He was good with his hands, I was good with my mind. Pretty soon, I became good enough to beat his friends. I became his little rupee-maker, he would make wagers with his buddies and I would win. Z: This was before you lived in the Underground? Olivia: Yes. But it wasn't long before we moved. *Sigh* And then he left... (They both stayed quiet until she broke the silence.) Olivia: But um, back to you, what happened last night? ...I hope what I said didn't offend you. Z: No, that wasn't it. I just... *Smiles* I'll just tell you what happened. (He explained last night's events to her. She stayed quiet while he spoke, not revealing her opinion until he was finished.) Olivia: What do you think it means? Z: I don't know. Actually, I've given up on trying to figure out his motives. If he wants me dead, he knows where to find me but so far, it doesn't seem like he wants to kill me. Olivia: Or Raphael for that matter. It's strange, though, because it goes against what I've heard about him. Z: Thinking about it will just give you a headache. Believe me. Olivia: Yeah, you're probably right. Z: Know anything about Snowhead? Olivia: You planning on taking a trip up there? Z: I've gotta find out about the Powder Kegs. (She sighed.) Olivia: Well, I've never been there. Z: You're not happy I'm going up there, are you? Olivia: It's your reasons for going up there. You already know how I feel about this whole "investigation" or whatever. *Sigh* Don't worry about how I feel, it's just my opinion, that's all. Besides, we don't even know each other that well anyway. Z: That doesn't mean I don't value your opinion. Olivia, you have more insight on this than anyone. I'm an outsider, I need all the help I can get. Olivia: Can I ask you something? Z: Shoot. Olivia: Why are you so interested in finding Damian? Z: I just am. It's a mystery, I just want to figure out what's going on here. Olivia: But look at you... Look at what it's doing to you. Have you looked in a mirror lately? Z, you look like hell. I know I'm stepping over my boundaries but honestly, you think I can't hear what's been going between you and your friends? You're frustrated. Now are you really after Damian because you're "interested" or because this "search" is your escape? Z: ...That's enough. (He put his head down in frustration but she continued.) Olivia: I'm not going to pretend to know why you're upset but is it worth risking your friends' lives? Because that's what you're doing. That old man is dying and you're still divided. Everyone can see it. (He put his hands over his face unknowingly showcasing his apparent helplessness. She let out a sigh and started shaking her head when she saw this but continued speaking...) Olivia: I haven't known you long but I can tell you're a good guy Z. It's just that I've felt the pain that I don't want you to experience. Z: ... Olivia: You'll do whatever it is that you feel best but understand that the worst kind of regret comes when you know you could have prevented a tragedy... Believe me. (He finally took his hands away from his face and looked at her, ready to speak...) Z: ...Thank you. (He stood up and headed for the door but she stopped him.) Olivia: Don't go yet. Come on, let's play. (She grabbed him by the arm to lead him back to his chair but he pulled away, saying...) Z: Later. (He left the room and walked past both the Sages and Maria without saying a word, acknowledging only the still-smiling Rauru, who waved him goodbye as he left the Trading Post. As he was walking, he heard the door slam again. He already knew who it was and turned to her...) Maria: Where are you going? Z: I'll be back later. Maria: You don't want me to come? Z: Stay with Rauru. He needs the support. Maria: ...Don't you think he'd like your support too? (He nodded, "Yes.") Maria: Then come back inside. Z: I'll be back, Maria. (Before she could reply, he turned back around and continued on his way, presumably heading for Snowhead....) Edited by Bx, Jun 9 2009, 06:13:14 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 22 2009, 06:52:17 PM Post #19 |
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Notorious
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(The journey to Snowhead was long though not difficult. Along the way, Z defeated a number of wild animals such as the infamous Dodongos and other species he had never seen before. Upon reaching the mountain's base, he was pleased to know that the Bomb Shop owner was truthful in his statement about Snowhead's climate, it was warm. Now it was time to find the Goron Village...) (Although he previously scaled Death Mountain back in Hyrule, he found Snowhead's terrain far more complex and difficult to climb. The challenge of the terrain was a blessing however as it allowed him to focus his thoughts on the climb as opposed to the conflict in his personal life. After what seemed like hours of climbing, he reached the largely unpopulated "Mountain Village." Looking around in disbelief, he asked...) Z: This is it...? (There was only one house in the "village" leading him to question the reliability of the Bomb Shop Owner's words until he saw a group of travelers appear from another path, Gorons. He immediately rushed over to them to inquire about the Goron Village. Seeing him, they stopped and allowed him to ask his questions.) Z: Hello. Have you come from the Goron Village? (It was a simple question but they seemed annoyed although one answered...) Goron: Yes, yes. We are from the Goron Village. Is it directions you want? *Points to sign* See that sign over there? Follow it. The village isn't too far from here. We go now! (They hurried away and left down the mountain. Z shrugged his shoulders and followed their directions. Walking across the bridge, he wondered why they were in such a hurry and then it hit him...) Z: That must have been the Goron's leader and his guards. That meeting with Kafei is today... No wonder. (He continued on his way, crossing the next bridge and finally reaching the Goron Village. A village filled with domes connected by long series of bridges. It was an interesting contrast to the Goron City he knew from Hyrule but he wasn't here to sight see. Thus, he began his search for anyone who knew anything about Powder Kegs...) (He entered an open dome and found a group of Gorons talking. When they spotted him, they stopped and watched. A few were actually smiling as he came near, a sign that they weren't hostile.) Goron: Hullo there! You're a stranger to our village, aren't ya? Z: Yes. Goron: Well, I'm impressed ya made it all the way up here! Not many humans come to our village because of the climb so we're amazed when we get a visitor. Z: Thanks. *Looks around* These domes are impressive. Goron: Of course they are, they were made by the best craftsmen in all of Termina, us Gorons! (Z smiled. Now that he was certain they were friendly, he was ready to ask about the Powder Kegs...) Z: From what I've seen of Termina, you guys have definitely earned that title. I've also heard about your work with explosives, those Powder Kegs in particular. (The Goron's expression as well as the others around him changed from complacency to cold blankness leading him to believe he made a mistake in asking.) Goron: ...Why are you worried about Powder Kegs, boy? (The tone of the his voice was harsher and his usage of the word "Boy" in a somewhat derogatory manner made Z very uncomfortable. He took a small step back before answering...) Z: I was just wondering, that's all. Is there something wrong? Goron: Just wondering, ya say? We've all heard about those explosions in Clock Town and we know the lies that are being spread. Z: What are you talking about? Goron: Don't act as if you don't know, boy, all of Termina is pointing at us! They're saying we did that because of our expertise with bombs and now you just burst in here asking about Powder Kegs, we know what scum ya are. (He was stunned. He hadn't heard these rumors before but now the curtness of the Gorons he met earlier made more sense. Still, this news was unsettling and he began to once again question Kafei's decision-making as well as his character.) Z: *To himself* ...That son of a bitch is still politicking. (Still he knew that it was certainly possible they could have had something to do with the explosions but other than the explosives themselves, there was no real evidence to back up such a claim...) (These were dangerous rumors but he knew that he needed to keep a clear head to find out what, if anything, happened with the Powder Kegs.) Z: I apologize if my questioning or my actions offended anyone, I didn't mean to make light of a sensitive subject. But I truly am curious about Powder Kegs for educational purposes, please, where are they sold or manufactured? (A long silence came. The Gorons simply stared into his eyes, trying to decipher his motives. This silence was broken when one spoke...) Goron: At ground level of our village. The shop is there... (They each nodded their heads in approval and he returned the nod before thanking them and exiting the dome. The Powder Keg Shop was where the Goron said and he entered. He found that this was no ordinary shop as there was no shopkeeper, only small ramps leading upward. He climbed the series of ramps and finally found the shopkeeper, a large Goron, though smaller than Biggoron who had stacks of Powder Kegs lined around him.) Z: Hello? (The large Goron studied him for a few moments before answering.) Medigoron: Why are you here? You're not strong enough to carry a Powder Keg. Go away. Z: I didn't come to buy a Powder Keg. I came to ask some questions. Medigoron: Questions? I'm a shopkeeper, not a teacher. I do not answer questions from children. Now leave. Z: Just hear me out... (He didn't respond so he continued...) Z: Did you recently lose Powder Kegs? Medigoron: What are you? Some kind of investigator for Clock Town? Get out of here, I'm not answering any questions! (He didn't move, in fact, he got closer to him...) Z: Tell me the truth! I'm trying to help... Medigoron: I've heard enough. (He lifted his hand. Z backed away but refused to stop inquiring about the Powder Kegs.) Z: Please, if something happened, I've got to know. I'm not here on behalf of Clock Town or anyone else, I'm just trying to find the person responsible for those explosions... (To avoid a bigger problem, the Goron sighed and rested his hand back on the ground. Z nodded approvingly, he knew he was going to comply now.) Z: So tell me...What happened? Medigoron: Yes. Five Powder Kegs went missing about four months ago. Z: Four months? That long ago? Nothing sooner? Medigoron: No. But it was the first time I'd ever been robbed. Originally I thought that I had simply misplaced them but... there's no doubt about it, someone or really some group stole them. Z: How? Aren't they really heavy? Medigoron: Yes. Very heavy and very dangerous. A very strong Goron can carry two at most, the average can carry only one. That's why it had to be a group job... Z: What about non-Gorons, how many would it take to carry one? Medigoron: Depends on how strong they are. An exceptionally strong non-Goron could carry one at most, I'd say. But... a person that strong is rare. If non-Gorons did steal those Powder Kegs, it was a decent number of them... Z: But how could they slip past everyone unnoticed? Medigoron: ...When they were stolen, the mountain was suffering from one of the worst snowstorms in years. Everyone stayed inside, just trying to see out there was difficult... Z: I know the feeling. (Medigoron sighed and continued...) Medigoron: It's been difficult. I am very careful now about closing my shop. Before I was reckless, anyone could come in at any time, now I have my shop blocked off at night. I had hoped that that would be the end of it but when we heard about the blasts in Clock Town, I immediately knew that somehow this would trace back to me... Z: Hmm... Medigoron: But I swear, I had nothing to do with that explosion! Z: I believe you. Medigoron: With all these rumors, us Gorons are gonna become the target of everyone's hate. *Sigh* ...Our leader left to try and straighten everything out but I don't know, maybe I'm too cynical but things just haven't been right for us lately... Three of our own were brutally murdered last week, the Silent Demon finally struck us after we foolishly believed the gods were smiling down upon us... Z: ... Medigoron: And now this... (He looked away from Z and stared down the path leading to his shop's exit. He was obviously distraught by the ill-fortune of his people. Z kept silent, allowing him to sort his thoughts.) Medigoron: ...What is your name? Z: Call me "Z." Medigoron: Alright, Z. I am Medigoron. (He extended his huge hand for a shake. Z was both surprised and humored by the gesture but the two of them shook regardless. He had earned the trust of this troubled Goron...) Z: Ok, Medigoron, I want to know something. How many of those Powder Kegs would it have taken to destroy those two buildings? Medigoron: Hmm... One for that hospital. Two for the office. Z: And five were stolen... That means whoever took them still has two left, if the robbery here really is connected to the explosions... Medigoron: Yes, that is correct. Two Powder Kegs left... The possibility of two more massive explosions... Z: Scary thought, I know. Is there any way to trail those things? Medigoron: Not that I know of. Z: ...Damn. Medigoron: Why are you searching for the people responsible for this, Z? (That was becoming a recurring question but each time it was asked, it became more difficult for him to truthfully answer nevertheless, he replied...) Z: ...I'd just like to find the monster who did this. Medigoron: You'd be a hero to us all if you do. ...But that other monster is out there, that damn Silent Demon. Z: You said he murdered three Gorons a week ago? How do you know it was him? (Medigoron's eyes filled with tears but he quickly wiped them away before answering...) Z: I'm sorry... Medigoron: No... It's ok. Z: A relative? Medigoron: No. Not in the way you humans see family, anyway. But they were a couple of kids I watched grow up. They weren't kids anymore, of course but I remember how they would come in here with their parents and play around... *Sniff* (He smiled but his eyes watered again and like before he wiped them.) Medigoron: *Sniff* I'm sorry... Z: ... Medigoron: They had their whole lives ahead of them and one miserable fool took it away.... (He finally let the tears rain down and Z took that as his cue to leave. As he was walking away, Medigoron called out to him...) Medigoron: Thanks for listening... (Z waved goodbye and walked off. A part of him was glad to have listened to his story but it made him think of Rauru and the others. Not wanting to think about that, he started wondering about what he'd just learned, the unfortunate rumors surrounding the Gorons and the robbery itself. More questions arrived with every detail learned and more stories unraveled with each day...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 10:44:02 PM.
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| Bx | Mar 24 2009, 01:09:25 AM Post #20 |
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Notorious
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(Back at the Trading Post, Kafei was preparing for his meeting with the other Grand Council members. Because of the importance of this meeting he gave Olivia 1000 rupees and told her to enjoy the city while the meeting was taking place. Maria was allowed to stay but only to tend to Rauru in the back while the other Sages attended the meeting. Kafei himself was a bundle of nerves, pacing back and forth as the hour drew near. This was arguably the most important meeting during his tenure as Mayor as the topics in question would potentially determine the fate of two nations, Termina and Hyrule...) (And then a knock came... Everyone froze. After this brief pause, Darunia opened the door. In came a small group of Deku, they had short swords attached to their sides and looked at him with an oddly pleasant smile. They inspected the room, smiling at everyone and then one went back outside only to return moments later with another Deku, this one a prominent-looking female...) Kafei: Your highness, how are you? (She walked with a confidant flare, smiling at everyone just as her guards had and then greeted him...) Deku Queen: Hello, Kafei. That's a splendid mask. Are we the first to arrive? Kafei: You most certainly are, Your Highness. And allow me to introduce the legendary Sages of Hyrule. (One by one, he introduced them. Each Sage greeted her with the same respect that Kafei had shown. She seemed genuinely pleased to meet them and greeted them with the same reverence they had shown her.) Deku Queen: It truly is an honor to finally meet the great Sages of Hyrule. It will be a pleasure working with you all. *Counts to herself* But I've heard there were six Sages yet I only count five of you here. Kafei: Rauru, the Sage of Light was unable to attend for health reasons. (Her smile changed to a frown.) Deku Queen: Oh. I'm sorry to here that. I do hope it's nothing serious. (Each of the Sages looked at one another and then at Kafei for the response.) Kafei: We're not certain yet but we're all hoping for the best. Deku Queen: Of course. (She turned to one of her guards.) Deku Queen: You all may stand outside now. Thank you. Deku Guard: Yes, Your Highness. (The guards left the room. Not long after, another knock came. Darunia answered again, this time a group of Zoras entered. Unlike the Dekus, these Zoras were unarmed though each was massive. They weren't as friendly as the Dekus either, giving everyone in the room a curt nod before leaving. Moments later, the Zora leader walked in. He was young and robust though he wore a humorless expression while studying the Sages before Kafei hurried to greet him. Kafei: Maven! How are you? (He extended his hand for a shake but Maven didn't return the gesture. Embarrassed, he immediately introduced the Sages who gave him a warm greeting though he was unimpressed and asked Kafei...) Maven: Are they staying for the meeting? Kafei: Yes, they are. Maven: When was this decided upon? Important business matters regarding our nation are going to be discussed here today and I am quite uncomfortable having a group of outsiders standing over us watching. *Looks around* ...Not to mention the substandard meeting arrangements. (Even with his condescending attitude, Kafei graciously answered.) Kafei: I understand your concerns but I believed that it would be best if the Sages... Maven: You believed? Well, considering the circumstances that prompted this meeting, I do believe that your decision-making ability is quite questionable. But for the sake of keeping this meeting as brief as possible, I'll simply accept these conditions... No matter how ludicrous they are. Kafei: ...Thank you, Maven. Your graciousness is much appreciated... (At that moment it became apparent to everyone in the room that Kafei's spineless almost subservient behavior was due to the fact that the other Grand Council members held his fate in their hands. Regardless of how he was treated, he needed to stay on their good side and Maven was clearly taking advantage of this...) (Although they did not like seeing Maven taking advantage of Kafei, the Sages remained silent for they knew that no matter how arrogant he was, it was reasonable for him to distrust them.) Maven: *Looking at Ruto* So you are the famous Ruto of Hyrule? (Her eyes widened; she was surprised at his question.) Ruto: Um, yes, I am. If I may, why do you ask? Maven: You remind me of a famous singer we used to have. Besides you're the most well-known Zora in the world, I hope to one day attain the prestige that you have. ...Without the blemishes, of course. Ruto: ...! (His arrogance extended to the Sages as well. But under the present circumstances, they knew that verbally retaliating would do more harm than good and simply swallowed his words.) (This awkward silence was broken by another knock at the door. Maven answered this time.) Maven: Oh, hello, Derrion. You guards can stay out here, it's somewhat safe inside. (He stepped aside and let this Derrion character in. He was the Goron leader that Z had met on Snowhead. Just as his guards were with him, Derrion quickly introduced himself to the Sages before Kafei could get a word out. He then focused his attention on Kafei, watching him with angry, distrustful eyes elevating the tension already in the room.) (Kafei avoided his stare by looking down at the floor. And before things escalated further, there was another knock at the door leading Maven to sarcastically say...) Maven: ...I wonder who that could be. (He opened the door and quickly stepped aside allowing the person to walk in. It was a woman, a Gerudo. She had a very distinguished, dignified look to her as she walked inside holding the handle of the scimitar at her side. She looked at Kafei and simply nodded, they shared a mutual respect for each other. She then looked into the eyes of each Sage and nodded, again showing a mutual respect for them.) Kafei: Good to see you Admiral Aveil. Aveil: Likewise, Kafei. I see we have guests. Kafei: Yes, these are the Sa... Aveil: I know who they are. *Looks at Sages* In person, you all are quite different from what I expected. (She looked over at Maven, who had moved several feet away from her.) Aveil: And you're looking as clownish as ever. (He was infuriated by her comment but didn't reply. The tension in the room was at it's highest point and with each Grand Council member in attendance, it was time for the meeting to start...) Kafei: Ok, everyone now that we are all here. I suppose it's best that we get this meeting started. And yes, the Sages of Hyrule will be in attendance for this meeting. I hope that is not a problem for anyone. Maven: Hmph. (He ignored him and continued.) Kafei: Well, we can sit down now. (Each of the Grand Council members sat down. With no place to sit, the Sages stood and watched.) Maven: Let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point. Kafei, we have good reason to terminate your position on this Council due to the suspicious explosions that occurred here in Clock Town just a few days ago and I for one... (Derrion stood up, slammed his huge hands on the table finally unleashing his anger on Kafei...) Derrion: Shut up! Kafei, explain to me why you haven't dispelled the blatantly false rumors blaming my tribe for the explosions! You know damn well that the Gorons would never do something of that nature, unprovoked! I want my answer now. (If Kafei wasn't wearing his mask, everyone would have seen the absolute terror in his charred face. His fears coming into this meeting had become a reality. His thoughts were bouncing around his head, articulating even the simplest sentence was a challenge and he stayed silent.) Derrion: Are you hard of hearing!? I said ANSWER ME! (Now in a complete rage, he lifted his chair above his head and threw it at the door. The bang was heard outside and guards immediately rushed in...) Deku Guard: Is everything ok!? Zora Guard: What's going on in here!? Town Guard: Mayor Kafei! (Maven answered them.) Maven: Go back outside. Everything is alright, the Goron just got angry. (Each of the guards looked around one last time to make sure everything was alright and then left. Still fuming, Derrion just stared at Kafei until he got his answer, which finally came just moments later...) Kafei: Derrion. They're just rumors. I haven't been in the public's eye since the explosion... Had it not been for that... I would have squashed them immediately. (He wasn't impressed.) Derrion: That's not good enough. The Kafei I knew would have been on top of things, if you can't handle a simple task such as dispelling false rumors then how do you expect us to value your opinion on this council!? Maven: Exactly. Kafei, I believe I speak for everyone when I say... Aveil: You speak for everyone? Ha. You can barely speak for yourself. Maven: ... Aveil: Anyway, Kafei, if not the Gorons, who caused the explosion? (He was afraid of this question and just as he did with Derrion's, he froze. He had no idea how to answer; tell them about Damian's existence and undoubtedly have his power taken away or minimize the risk of losing his power and lie? He debated this internally before making his decision...) Kafei: *Sigh* ...I don't know. My gut tells me it was a random act of violence... Maven: Random! Are you kidding me? Two explosions occur at the same time, one at your office and one at the hospital. And you're telling me that that's just a random act of violence, ha, anyone with any sense could tell that was no random act. Kafei: ... Deku Queen: Kafei. As much as I'd like to believe you, I am inclined to agree with him. (In this situation, Kafei felt like his father, indecisive and weak. He worked his entire political career to avoid being like him, always catering to everyone's whim, having no backbone to make a firm stance yet here for the first time, he saw his father in himself. And then it came to him... Just like that, he had a flash of brilliance. The same brilliance that helped him gain his position in the first place.) Kafei: *Sigh* ...I must tell you all the truth. (The Council as well as the Sages perked their ears and listened.) Kafei: The truth of the matter is that I do know who caused these explosions or at least, I have great reason to suspect the individual responsible. Maven: Who was it? Kafei: The Silent Demon. I... I admit I didn't want to mention it earlier because I was afraid I would surely lose my position. *Sigh* But... I am almost certain it was him. It was only a matter of time before he decided to strike Clock Town. (This was a brilliant ploy, he had deflected the blame from himself by using the Demon, a common and bitter enemy of each leader, as a scapegoat. Just the mention of the his name was a sore spot for them and knowing this, he brilliantly used it to his advantage.) (Watching quietly, the Sages were both surprised and impressed by Kafei's political savvy because they knew the truth of the matter. And just as he had hoped, an uproar among the Council members occurred.) Derrion: The Demon! That son of a bitch! Just a week ago, he murdered three of our tribe members and now this!? He's to blame for these Goron rumors!? (He repeatedly slammed his fists on the table. Aveil stopped him by placing her scimitar across his chest.) Aveil: Stop that, it's annoying. Deku Queen: ...Thank you. Maven: That Demon is a menace... He needs to be put to death. (Kafei was now in control of the situation. Everyone was in such an outrage they overlooked some of the more important facts surrounding the explosions in Clock Town. But he would have it no other way, to him, this was perfect.) Aveil: That Demon's been a nuisance for too long now. He's gaining confidence, if he's willing to try and kill Kafei, he could go after any one of us next! Maven: She's right. Kafei: ...If I may suggest, we should put up a bounty for his capture or death and also each province should create their own search teams to try and put an end to this monster. Deku Queen: Excellent idea! Maven: Wait a minute... Who's going to pay the bounty in the event someone does kill him? Kafei: Um... Derrion: We'll establish the amount and divide it by... (He stopped and looked at Kafei then at the other council members. For that moment, Kafei's heart stopped...) Derrion: What are we deciding on Kafei's position? Aveil: Considering what we know now, I vote to keep him. Deku Queen: As do I. (Now the attention turned to Maven, who smiled upon receiving everyone's eyes.) Maven: My opinion hasn't changed. He's unfit, we don't need him. (And now it was Derrion's turn. A tie meant that Kafei would remain on the Grand Council though only as a figurehead with no real say in anything. His vote was crucial...) Derrion: I vote...*Looks at Kafei* to keep him. (Kafei came back to life after hearing his decision. He was safe. His destiny was back in his control and his ploy was a success.) Kafei: Thank you, Derrion... Thank you. Maven: That was very anti-climactic. (He shook his head disapprovingly but said nothing else.) Derrion: Alright then, we'll set a bounty and each of us will have to pay one fifth of it. Aveil: And what will this price be? Derrion: I'm suggesting 400,000 rupees. Maven: Are you kidding me?! That means I'll have to put in 80,000 rupees! Who wants to spend that... Aveil: Do you want him taken care of or not? We're all giving 80,000 rupees, not just you. The bounty has to be tempting if we expect anyone to try and find the Demon. Maven: ...I suppose that's true. Aveil: You're damn right it's true. Now shut the hell up. Kafei: So is everyone is ok with that? 400,000 rupees as the bounty? Also, for the sake of avoiding a mass panic, I suggest we do not make it public that the Demon was responsible for the explosions but at the same time we'll clear the good name of the Gorons. Now is everyone ok with that? (They all said, "Yes." He looked over at the Sages and nodded. Now he was ready to bring up the next order of business.) Kafei: With the matter of the explosions and the Demon settled, I suppose we should now go over the matter of Hyrule. (Maven groaned and the other Council members glanced over at the Sages, still quietly watching.) Aveil: ...Are you certain you want to discuss such a matter with them here? Kafei: Why not? We have nothing to hide. Aveil: I suppose. Derrion: If they don't have a problem with it, I don't. Deku Queen: Their presence does not bother me, either. Kafei: Ok, well, let's get started then. First of all, has anyone's position changed? Maven: Not at all. Hyrule's demise came because of foolish leadership. I don't see why we should bail them out. Would they do the same for us? (Coming from him this wasn't surprising to the Sages who merely answered with a few disgruntled sighs.) Aveil: Hopefully we'll never have to find out. Although I'm not in favor of Maven's position, I can understand where he's coming from. It does seem a bit...risky to fund a former rival's restoration but my position hasn't changed, Hyrule needs to be restored somehow. Maven: But why? Maybe if I heard more than just, "They're a valuable trading partner, blah, blah, blah" I might change my mind. Termina is doing fine right now without Hyrule. Kafei: But for how long is the real question. How long do you honestly expect our prosperity to last? To be a great nation, we have to rely on others. We don't have every resource available to us. Two important nations are in turmoil right now, one being Hyrule, the other is Johan. We're fortunate enough to be in a position to help Hyrule... Deku Queen: ...We would also benefit from the tourism. Former citizens of Hyrule live here now, they're not tourists anymore. They're trying to make a living. The economy of Woodfall is draining because of it. Maven: Maybe if your people weren't originally such arrogant isolationists, you wouldn't be doing so bad. Again, we shouldn't bail others out due to bad leadership. Deku Queen: You're so cold... Maven: I'm honest. I look out for my people first and foremost. Hyrule was competition then and they'll be competition again if we fund this. Derrion: Maven may be a bit flippant about the situation but I still have to agree with him. Nothing has changed my mind about all of this. Paying for another nation just isn't very smart, I don't think. ...Now maybe if there were special incentives, I might reconsider. Aveil: Right now that's not necessary. We still have the 3 votes needed to go ahead with the project and provided nothing drastic happens, I don't see that changing in the next few months. Maven: Hmph. If the vote does end up in favor of Hyrule's restoration, I promise you this will blow up in your faces... And I don't want to hear anyone crying when it does! (Despite his warning, Kafei smiled behind his mask. The meeting couldn't have turned out better; his position was safe, the majority were still in favor of Hyrule's restoration, a plan was set in place to deal with the Demon and Damian's existence was still unknown to them.) Maven: If the order of business for this meeting is settled then I will be going. I have other affairs to take care of back home. (Hearing this, Kafei looked around and asked...) Kafei: Is there nothing else to discuss? Aveil: I think our meeting is through. Deku Queen: I agree. (Derrion nodded in agreement and it was settled, the Grand Council meeting now commenced. While the Council members said their goodbyes and exited the building, Impa whispered to Darunia...) Impa: After seeing that, it seems that a Grand Council is a marvelous way to make national decisions. Darunia: Hmm... Maybe. (The Council members were now gone and Kafei, feeling victorious asked the Sages...) Kafei: Do you all want to go out to celebrate? It's truly a good... (Before he could finish his sentence, Maria appeared from the back and grabbed everyone's attention...) Edited by Bx, Jun 18 2009, 11:03:45 PM.
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10:12 AM Jul 11