| The Legacy of Z III | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 19 2009, 11:32:49 PM (448 Views) | |
| Bx | Nov 19 2009, 11:32:49 PM Post #1 |
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Notorious
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Characters Zeno (Age: 17) - The Jaded Hero. More commonly known by his nickname, "Z". Z is the youth who helped liberate Hyrule nearly two years ago with his victory over Alvius. Months later, on the Terminian continent, he uncovered the mystery behind the "Damian" crisis and defeated the Silent Demon, a brooding, enigmatic warrior who revealed himself to be Z's twin brother, Will. The product of Link and Ruto, Z is thought of by many as a destined and blessed hero, though, he tends to shy away from such lofty praise. Now back in Hyrule, he currently lives on his own with his girlfriend, Maria, in a house a few miles northwest of the Kokiri Forest. Vitals Height: 5'9 ft. Weight: 174 lbs. Birthday: January 17 Birthplace: Hyrule Castle Town, Hyrule Maria (Age: 16) - The Girl Who Stole His Heart. Maria is Z's girlfriend and more importantly (To her), his best friend. The two met when they were just small children and formed an instant bond. Maria cares deeply for Z, often going to great lengths to display her affection. While she wishes Z would open up to her more, she has grown to understand and respect his need for personal space over the past few months. She lives alone with Z and hopes that their return to Hyrule is the beginning of a normal, peaceful life. Vitals Height: 5'5 ft. Weight: 118 lbs. Birthday: May 5 Birthplace: Mabe Village, Koholint Island Edited by Bx, May 16 2010, 12:11:31 PM.
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| Bx | Jan 30 2010, 07:50:42 PM Post #2 |
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Notorious
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Intro: Ghosts 7 Years Ago... (Deep in the heart of the Kokiri Forest's Lost Woods, home of Hyrule's most misguided creatures, five figures stood with their eyes on a dull, grayish, altar-like structure complete with dark ashes atop. From a distance their appeared to be only four men, but closer inspection refuted this as the fifth stood enclosed between the others and the altar. He was small, a bit too small for a man... And as he looked back at one of the men to his rear, his face left no room for doubt. He was a child. An eleven-year-old boy... Or more accurately, an eleven-year-old king.) (Alvius Carrogen. His boyish, pallid face illuminated the dark underbrush of the woods, along with the curious yellowish tint that were his pupils. He had sacrificed his innocence for unwavering ambition, as well as the possession of dreams and goals that the average child could not comprehend. And in many cases, even the average man...) (Looking into the eyes of the Zora elite guard, Gacy, he extended his arm, palm open, and said...) Alvius: Hand me the vial with Z's blood. Gacy: You're ready? (Alvius tilted his head toward the sky, but saw only the thick leaves of the overlooking trees clouding the afternoon sky. He then smiled and let out a chuckle.) Alvius: ...The blood of a hero will resurrect the "other." How's that for irony? (He focused his attention on Gacy again and continued...) Alvius: Isn't that the stuff your "stories" are made of? Gacy: Of course. All of mankind's greatest stories are filled with irony. But... at the same time, one could also say your requesting a vial full of Z's blood, a "hero's" blood, to use as a tool in resurrecting your "other" is a bit ironic as well. I've read hundreds of wonderful, fantastic stories and if he's the "hero", well... What does that make you? And more importantly, where does that leave you? (Alvius's eyes widened. He scanned the gazes of the other three, noticing that each were silently wondering the same thing. He made a slight nod as he brought his eyes with Gacy's and replied...) Alvius: I'd share those same concerns you all appear to have if I hadn't also brought this. (He lifted another vial from his pocket. This one was also full of blood, whose, at this point was unknown.) Bundy: Who's blood is... that? (Alvius shook the vial a little, sloshing the dark burgundy blood across the sides of its glass container. He had a smirk on his face as he did this for a few moments before replying...) Alvius: A real... Hero. Link. (Aside from Gein, who stood firmly with his arms crossed, their eyes all rounded wide at those words. But it was Manson who asked first, with a slight stammer in speech...) Manson: H-how did you manage to gather Link's blood? Alvius: For that, I must thank the pathetic admiration that fool ex-king of Hyrule had for his great Hero. Before Link died, he apparently had some of his blood drained and placed into this very vial. Why? I don't know. And quite frankly, I don't care... All that I'm concerned with is the avenue for which my "other" will be restored, be it Link or...Z. Now the vial, Gacy. (Gacy's thoughts as well as the others were still on Alvius's last statement, but the soldier did as his loyalty suggested and placed the vial in Alvius' palm.) Bundy: Then why both? Why need both if you already have Link's? Why assume that Z is also a hero, and request his blood, when all he's shown is incompetence so far? I mean I could have... (He stopped. He felt stares burning through his scaly skin. Despite the discomfort, he couldn't tell them. Not the truth anyway, not that he had had the opportunity to kill Z and failed due to his own incompetence. "That bombchu... No...", he told himself as he looked to the ground and shook his head ashamedly.) Alvius: What were you going to say, Bundy? You could have what? (Bundy just shook his head again and replied...) Bundy: ...Nothing. I just wanted to know... (Gein interjected with a loud grunt.) Gein: It's insurance, Bundy. If either set of blood fails, the other will do the job. Am I right? (He finished, looking at Alvius, who replied with another nod.) Alvius: Exactly. If I am to fail for whatever reason, the man who brings me down, whether it's Z or someone else will not live a life of peace. He will be constantly haunted and tormented by my actions here! Even I am not...immortal. We must all have a successor... One who will carry out and if not finish, then at least, continue to lay the foundation for what we have started... I have already done that for my father. Now I am planting the seeds that my successor shall water and tend to if I am unable to do so myself. This day is about succession. Power exchange. Does that fully answer your question, Bundy? (They were all wide-eyed after the impromptu "speech." It seemed that their leader, however young, had an unusually strong grasp of the future's importance, the idea that today's actions have an inevitable effect on tomorrow. It had raised their morale substantially and for the most part, put to rest any doubts they may have had. Although Manson still had another lingering question...) Manson: So you will pour each vial over the ashes separately or...? (Alvius smiled. It wasn't one of amusement, however. It was nervousness, and an unfamiliar uncertainty had filtered through his breath with his answer.) Alvius: ...Even I do not want to know my future, Manson. I will... pour them at the same time without...looking. I don't want to know which one... did the "trick." Bundy: What if both wer... Gein: Enough, Bundy. (Bundy raised his palms in a defeated matter and silenced himself. Alvius placed his eyes on Gacy's and said...) Alvius: Since we are on the subject of Z, I'd like to know, just where is he? Gacy: Probably looking for his little girlfriend right now inside Death Mountain's Crater, if he's not already dead. Those two... (He finished with a disturbing laugh. The thought of two unprotected, fragile children inside a scorching active volcano was humorous to him. It reminded him of a tragic romance, the kind teenage girls, in particular, like to read only with the characters as living breathing people. Barely preteen children to be exact.) Bundy: You stuffed them in the crater? Gacy: Her. I stuffed her inside of the crater. She's in no immediate danger, though. I left her inside what's probably the only "cool" spot within that inferno... But he doesn't know that. Although I did leave him a little riddle, so if he really cares, he's probably in there now. Whether he gets out is another story... (Manson's eyes lit up with glee and he blurted out...) Manson: I love it! Use the female love interest to inadvertently kill the boy! Ha, ha... It's psychological without any sort of obvious manipulation. That... is quite clever. (Somewhat disgusted by Manson's "fascination" with Gacy's plan, Gein glared at him, only to be interrupted by Alvius' words.) Alvius: I agree, that was very clever. That being said, if they somehow do manage to survive, I realize now just how valuable that girl could be. If he's willing to throw himself into an active volcano for her, then... What else would he be willing to do for the one he "loves?" I wonder... Manson: I can cook something up if you'd like, Lord... Alvius: Yes. Yes, you do that. (Manson's smile stretched across both sides of his face while Alvius continued...) Alvius: Also, what's the status on our other friend? Is it safe yet to say your former comrade, Eagles? (They all cringed at the name. "Eagles", the founder and now ex-leader of their group, not to mention the most talented as well. He had essentially gone AWOL with the death of Alvius' father, Carrogen IV. Posed with a difficult question that none had an answer to, they remained quiet.) Alvius: I see... My father's favorite and an obvious threat to each of us if he decides to defect to the other side. We must keep track of him somehow. I'm sure he hasn't left Hyrule so when we do find him... He needs to be disposed of, regardless of any lingering friendships... That clear? (They all nodded slowly, still wondering about Eagles' ultimate fate and what an encounter would ultimately mean for them, if one were to occur perchance.) Alvius: Good. I suppose we've delayed enough... (He turned toward the altar and stepped closer towards it. Now hovering over the ashes of the still unknown "other", he lifted each vial of blood over it, and stopped. His palms were sweating accompanied with moderate tremors in his hands. This was the moment that would reveal the truth to him, and as he had mentioned earlier, he did not want to know his fate. Without another moment of hesitation, he twisted both vials downward and poured their contents onto the ashes. Each stream of blood splashed onto the ashes at the same time. He had succeeded in leaving his fate a mystery to himself as well as the others. Now only the appearance of the "other" remained, but the four generals overlooking the event saw nothing while Alvius remained still, with his back still towards them.) (The four of them looked at one another, one by one asking themselves, "Did it...work?", but before they could receive their answer, the leaves began to ruffle, at first lightly, then more violently as the seconds passed. Alvius remained as he had, back still to them and motionless while the others twisted and turned themselves around, alarmed by the unknown presence.) Bundy: Who...!? (No answer aside from the continued swaying of the leaves. Alvius remained like a statue, frozen almost, while the others readied their weapons for a possible attack.) Gacy: Wait... Is this... Is it the "other!?" (He looked back at Alvius, but he remained unchanged. Concerned, he reached out for Alvius' shoulder until the rustling sounds stopped as well as the movements of his comrades. With his palm rested on Alvius' frosty shoulder, he looked around and saw them...) Edited by Bx, Feb 23 2010, 11:15:54 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 10 2010, 11:34:30 PM Post #3 |
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Notorious
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(Ten. Gacy saw that ten "Skull Kids" had surrounded them. Each looking no different from the other, the curse the forest had placed on them left each faceless and without an identity to call their own. The only distinguishable feature each had were their weapons, one unique weapon. One held a sword, another a lance, the next a pike, his neighbor a mace, to his (or her) right a bow, then another with a flail, the next held a dagger, immediately following him/her was one with a hammer, another comrade wielded a club, and finally, the last, gripped the handle of a scythe.) (Gacy had realized that it was not the "other" as he had suspected at first, but rather, these "creatures" who had been creating the disturbance. Amused by their presence, he removed his hand from Alvius' shoulder and turned himself toward the "guests", the way the others, excluding Alvius, had done.) (Despite the towering appearance of the four Zoras, the Skull Kids held their stoic appearance, their bright beady eyes reflected a coldness one would not have suspected from their typically warm appearance. Bundy raised an eyebrow as he watched them, his thoughts filled with memories of the hundreds of Skull Kids he had killed for sport. None, however, had the demeanor that emitted from the ones standing before him. It made him uneasy, a sentiment heard in his breath as he ended the silence...) Bundy: Erm... Wh-What is it...you...ah....want? (Manson's eyes widened at the quivering speech, and he whipped his look towards Bundy, though he did not speak, letting the Skull kids reply. The one holding the pike stepped forward and answered...) "Pike": You know who we are, Bundy... (Bundy's heart sank. It was true. This group of Skull Kids had launched several guerrilla attacks on him and his men during his daily patrol of the forest. It was revenge for the brutal and senseless killings he had committed against their "kind" and it all began not long after his embarrassing loss at Z's "hands".) (In response to the Skull Kids words, Bundy flared into a rage to show his "strength" and answered, in a calm tone that didn't reflect his furious expression...) Bundy: ...You know what? You're right, I actually do. How could I have forgotten the faces of the little cowards who attacked my men and I only to run and hide when we were able to draw our weapons? I guess I was just surprised that you guys apparently developed the guts to stand face to face with a superior unit. (He looked at the other Zoras, as if waiting for their approving nods, but it didn't happen, and he focused on the Skull kids again. This time it was the one wielding the lance who replied...) "Lance": Us, the cowards? Coming from the mouth of a child killer? Bah! We've watched too many of our kind murdered at your hands to just stand back and let you do this... It's not right. Look at us! We've already lost so much just by becoming what we are, why are you trying to take our "home" away from us also? This forest has already been crippled by your occupation, none of us can stomach to see you just obliterate it completely! Manson: I think tha... (His words were chopped by a coarse laugh, Alvius' laugh. He, along with his fellow generals, turned to see that the young ruler had erupted into laughter after his lengthy, awkward silence. As his laughter faded, Alvius spoke, still without facing the Skull Kids.) Alvius: So... This is your "home?" Did I catch that correctly? "Lance": Yes. But I fail to see the humor in my words. Alvius: I'm not surprised. Not much expression comes from that empty little face of yours, does it? Ha, ha... You're a depressed bunch. A group of "Weeping Willows." Self-pity is the nature of your state, is it not? (Every Skull Kid held hushed lips, while Alvius continued...) Alvius: That's what I thought. I suppose foolishness is also a part of being a "Skull Kid." I mean, the only way you can become a "Skull Kid" is through moronic stubbornness, eh? "Sword": That's enough! We didn't come here to be mocked! (The Skull Kid whipped his sword at Gein, who watched, arms crossed, and with an unimpressed glare in his eyes. Alvius, with his back still turned towards them, finished...) Alvius: No... You came here to fight, to be "heroes", to fulfill your meaningless duty as the forest watchdogs... I'm not surprised. As I said, foolishness is ingrained within each of your puny little heads. You guys would rather die than conform... Ha! Do you really think anyone would care? A group of Skull Kids took a stand and saved the forest, sure it sounds wonderful, but can anyone tell any one of you from the other? Hell, I'll even do you one better, I must know, just what are your names? (Each of the Skull Kids eyes sank towards the ground. Their names had been forever lost to them, and along with it, their identities. Alvius knew this and continued exploiting it...) Alvius: Ha, ha... That's okay. It's quite understandable considering your..."condition", we'll say. So how about age, then? ...Okay, what about race? Place of birth? Gender, at least? (With each question, they quickly lost their unified voice, much like they had lost their identity when their journey into a mystical forest became their journey into their permanent home.) Alvius: ...You see. You have no identity, not a name to go with a single face. You each have no past, no present, and most certainly, no future. So how... how can any of you possibly believe that you have some right to claim this forest or any area for that matter, as your home? No one knows of your existence, and those few who may, don't care to speak of it. This is not your home, it is simply your resting place. (The Skull Kids were left speechless and demoralized. Whatever souls hid behind their identical figures had been sapped from them. Alvius' words, however cruel, had rung so horribly true for every one of them.) Alvius: Courage only exists when someone is there to recognize it. Your intentions, however, well-meaning simply mean... nothing. So I'll now digress by saying, "Win, if you can. Lose, if you must, but always, always...CHEAT!" (And as the word "cheat" left his lips, he whipped around, his eyes swirling like a maelstrom of rage, and watched as an intense hellish spectre, swooped across the area and unleashed an overwhelming blast of energy onto the Skull Kids, while also setting much of the surrounding land ablaze. Alvius' "Other" had been awakened.) The Legacy of Z III Edited by Bx, Jul 5 2010, 01:30:12 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 23 2010, 11:33:15 PM Post #4 |
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Notorious
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I: The Family Present Day... "So anyway, how's he been?" "Not bad. He's doing a lot better since you guys last saw him. Totally obsessed with the piano now... He's actually writing his own composition." "Really? That's wonderful! That boy certainly is quite a character, who'd have thought he'd fall in love with that thing...? ...But yeah, that's nice to hear. I'd ask why doesn't he ever come with you, but... I think we all already know the answer to that..." "You know him... I wouldn't take any offense to it, though." "Ah, don't worry, we don't. Can't say I blame him for avoiding politics, we've gotten more than a taste of how difficult this field truly is in our short time dealing with it. It's no wonder so many leaders have failed throughout history..." "Ha, ha. I'd say some wouldn't have lasted even if politics were easy, but that being said... I think I'll leave all of that complicated stuff to you guys. I'm just starting to enjoy the simple life, you know?" "Well after everything that's happened over these years, I'd say you two definitely deserve it." "Ha, ha. Thanks. Well, I guess I'll be going now... It was good seeing you all again. I'll give him your love." "Well it was wonderful seeing you as always. And yes, please do. Also, let him know that we'd like to see him every once in a while, at least!" "Will do. See ya!" "Have a safe trip!" (Maria raised an arm into the air and waved them off as she exited the room and began walking down the building's narrow corridor, toward the exit. She had been talking to the renowned Sages of Hyrule, or at least three of the four still alive: Impa, the Shadow Sage and sole remnant of Hyrule's illusive Sheikah people. Darunia, the Fire Sage, and former leader of the once mighty Goron tribe, who had previously called Death Mountain their home. Saria, the Forest Sage, a kindred spirit of the lush and mystical Kokiri Forest. Nabooru, the Desert Sage of Gerudo Valley, was absent as she was off taking care of some business in Kakariko Village, a few miles southeast of town.) (This particular trip was one of Maria's occasional visits to New Hylia Town, the new name for what was once known as Hyrule Castle Town. The name change came after the Sages arrival to Hyrule several months ago. Returning to a ruined country, one that had survived the most catastrophic period in its history, they decided to change the name out of respect for those who had lost their lives during the crisis. They felt that bestowing a new name on the nation's capital would also be a symbol of both progression and hope for those lucky few who had survived.) (As Maria twisted the doorknob and opened the door, she felt the sun's heat warm her skin, a sensation that raised goosebumps onto her forearms. She viewed the fresh, spring air and glistening sunlight as a welcome change from the damp corridors of the newly erected Council Building. Now outside, she removed the windblown hair from over her face, and let out a sigh as she saw the crowded streets.) (It was 12:34 p.m., New Hylia Town's streets were bustling with people, the majority of which were construction workers repairing the damaged structures along with others constructing new buildings. Although most of the town was inhabitable, especially when compared with its previous condition, there was still much renovation that needed to be done. Tackling all of this would be a long, daunting process, and the workers as well as their families knew this. But it was work, paying work, and that was all that mattered at this point. Hyrule's entire foundation was in need of restoration and each man hauling his load, operated with this fact well in mind. The long-term benefit would most certainly outweigh the short-term loss.) (Maria, with her caramel leather purse hugging comfortably against her side, made her way through the congestion; she was heading for the station where horse and carriage rides were serviced, on the eastern section of town. She was quite an attractive girl, to say the least. Her complexion could be described as somewhat "orangish" or lightly tanned, a result of her island upbringing, her eyes were of the typical dark brown shade, but it was their slender shape and winged-tipped ends that gave them a fine, exotic quality. Her hair was colored much like her eyes but its silky feel and natural bounce made her the envy of those women who nature had not been so generous with.) (As she strolled through the various sections of the developing city, she captured the lustful eyes of many men, and while flattered by their admiration, she imagined herself standing on a podium and shouting at them to stop. They were making her uncomfortable, partly because she was still technically, a teenager. She continued doing her best to remain upbeat despite the annoyance of the overcrowded streets. While she crossed into the western section of town, she saw the silhouette of the horse and carriage station and heard the quivering nays of the horses pressing against her eardrums. "Almost there...", she told herself, curving her lips into a relieved smile, as she increased her pace and continued forward.) (It wasn't long until she reached the buggy station. The owner, Mr. Alastair, stood outside of his shop's door, wearing his usual "salesman's smile", though his was not merely a sales tool, his smile was an honest reflection of his character: welcoming and gentile. He had become a great acquaintance of Maria, she had been a regular customer since his grand opening a few months prior, and upon seeing her, he waved and shouted...) Mr. Alastair: Maria! Ha, ha... Good to see you again. How have you been lately? Maria: And hello to you too, Mr. Alastair. I've been pretty good. I can't complain. You? Mr. Alastair: Oh you know, business as usual. Work, work, and more work, but hey, that's life. The good people of this town need quality transportation, especially during these rebuilding times, so I'm more than happy to do what I can to accommodate them. (Maria's already polite smile extended more towards her cheekbones a bit as she replied...) Maria: Well I think I speak for everyone in this town when I say that you're doing a great job. Ha. I don't know what I'd do without your horses! (She envisioned herself walking through muddy rain-soaked fields on her way to Hyrule from her house. "Jeez...", she commented internally, before finishing with a slight shudder of her shoulders. Alastair seemed receptive of her thoughts and asked...) Alastair: Seems the thought's got you quivering... Ha, ha. (He laughed, and brushed his index finger and thumb through the coarse whiskers of his mustache.) Maria: Yup. And I can't be the only one who feels that way. Alastair: Ho ho! Just for that, no charge! (Maria's eyes lit up at those words, and she enthusiastically accepted his offer.) Maria: Wow, thanks, Mr. Alastair! I really appreci Alastair: Don't mention it, Maria. Go, go on now. Hop on any open carriage you'd like and tell 'em I said your ride is on the house. Maria: No problem. And again, thanks a lot, Mr. Alastair! Believe me, I won't forget this! (Although he didn't speak, he nodded at a glance with a smile beaming across his lips. The gesture expressed more than any sentence could have. "Ha... Wow. Guess what I said really meant a lot to him...", Maria reflected; it seemed to her that Mr. Alastair was just an old man starved for approval and the more she thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense. With no wife and no children he'd ever spoken of, he now seemed to her a lonely man, maybe one who had missed or ruined opportunities that could have added more fulfillment to his life. It reminded her of someone... But these were thoughts she laid to rest as she raised herself inside the horse-drawn carriage she had chosen, and sat down, ready for her free ride back to her home.) (She had already informed the driver that it would be a ride with no fare, but she had yet to tell him her destination. She reached over the edge of the seat separating her from the driver and tapped his shoulder.) Driver: Hmm, Ma'am? Maria: I forgot to tell you where I'm heading... (...Moments later, the horses galloped over New Hylia Town's iconic drawbridge, and into Hyrule Field.) Edited by Bx, Mar 8 2010, 12:55:29 PM.
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| Bx | Feb 28 2010, 11:50:32 PM Post #5 |
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Notorious
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A Few Hours Ago... (A newly constructed house sat alone a few miles north of Hyrule's enchanting Kokiri Forest. Its placement was deliberate, it was not particularly far from any of the nation's usual hot spots such as Kakariko Village, New Hylia Town or Lake Hylia. The house itself was square, of no particular shape or style, only describable using the most plain language, it was merely a house. A small, simple garden filled with nearly ripe tomatoes had been planted around the front door.) (When one opened the door, it made a sharp creaking sound as if its hinges needed lubrication, but that was unnoticeable compared to the harsh sounds coming from the halls.) "Ugh... Urrgh... Ugrrrh.... Oh... Not again... Urrrgrrh..." (In the bathroom, a figure had his arms wrapped around the toilet seat, with his head buried inside. His face had barely missed the swirling water mixed with off-colored brownish vomit. His breaths were short and rapid, and his thoughts were filled with memories time could not properly heal. It was a sad and pathetic sight, one that would have given the "vultures" pleasure had they been able to witness. The hero reduced to sickness by his own personal failings; the makings of a great tabloid headline. It was Z.) (Z lifted his face from the toilet bowl and slithered away from the seat. He then planted his back on the floor. It was cold, hard, and most importantly, comfortable. Something about laying on the bathroom floor and staring at the ceiling above eased his thoughts. He stayed like this for several minutes before he shut his eyes. Then his lips began to move and he whispered, "...Could I have done more? Did I make the right choice?") (As he finished, he started tapping the back of his head against the floor. It was hard enough to create a thudding vibration, but the repeated impact would leave no lingering effects. Some time later, he reopened his eyes and sat up. He looked from side to side and got to his feet.) (While not overly muscular, Z remained an impressive-looking young man. He was of a sturdy build, with somewhat lanky, yet strong-looking arms, the kind workmen typically possessed. His facial features were handsome, though not necessarily gorgeous as much of his attractiveness came from the manner in which he carried himself. His strut emanated a sense of composure and security. Of course, this was only a tightly-wound facade, Z was anything but composed and secure on the inside, his heart was still littered with the ever-growing number of wounds from the past. He hated every last one of them, but couldn't bring himself to move on just yet... A part of him believed that he needed to suffer, because it was only fair. It was the only way he could view the universe as anything but cruel, brutish and worst of all, random.) (As he collected his thoughts, he made a slight stretch of his arms, only to fall back against the wall. Like this, he lifted his gaze toward the ceiling again and had a vision of a lifeless brunette-haired girl with an open bloody wound stabbed through heart.) "...I, I...just wish I knew beforehand." (He whispered those words aloud for no one to hear. His recovery was in full view only to him; Him, and no one else. About a minute later, he removed himself from the wall and started for his bedroom. It was a few steps down the hall from the bathroom. When he entered, he quickly went to his bed, and sat on its queen-sized mattress. After a winded sigh traveled from his lips, he reached for the top drawer of his nightstand and looked inside. The whites of his eyes soon reddened, undoubtedly from incoming tears, but he shut both the drawer and his eyes before they could fall.) (Around thirty minutes later, Z stepped out of his front door and onto his porch. He squinted to avoid the irritation of the sun's glare, and began to run. It was the daily run he did to keep himself in shape during this "calm" period in his life. This exercise, however, came with a painful price, Z hadn't fully healed from the battle with his twin brother, Will. His legs, in particular, constantly ached and one could often hear howling groans echoing from his trail. His tracks could be seen from just a few miles short of Lake Hylia circling all the way around to the left side of his house, near the forest. This training wasn't so much a relief from his grieving thoughts, but more of a remedy from the drudgery of everyday life. Although it would seem odd to most, a part of him still longed for the psychological high he received from the intense situations that had, up to this point, defined his life. It wasn't that Z couldn't enjoy the normal life, quite the contrary, he wanted it desperately, but still found the adjustment challenging.) (Now back at his house, Z, releasing heavy winded breaths, made his way up to the porch and sat on the bench. His sweat glistened as the sunlight beamed against his brow. Pressing his elbows into his thighs, he covered his face and listened to the sound of incoming hooves...) Z: Maria... (He pulled his palms from his face and saw a horse and carriage fast approaching. Realizing that it was Maria, the thoughts that had plagued him earlier dissipated and he made his outward appearance one of complete composure. He didn't want her to worry, "...She does that too much", he told himself, finishing a thought. When Maria's ride was almost at the house, he curved his lips into a smile to fully mask his embattled emotions. Maria viewed this from within the carriage, and smiled herself, thinking it was her arrival that had sparked his elation.) (Z raised himself from the porch bench as the carriage drew closer, until the driver finally tugged the harnesses of his two caramel-colored stallions back, forcing them to stop. The driver then turned his head towards Maria, and asked...) Driver: This is your destination, yes? (Maria, already with one leg hanging outside of the carriage door, answered...) Maria: Yes. Thank you for the ride. Driver: It was my pleasure, ma'am. I do hope you travel with us again. (She smiled, and dug inside her purse, looking for a few rupees to give the man as a tip, despite the ride being free of charge. As she extended her arm and handed it to him, he waved it away.) Driver: Thank you, ma'am, but I can't accept that. Free of charge means free of charge. Maria: Just take it. It's a tip. Come on now... I'm not paying for the ride over here, think of it as a.... a "thank you." (The driver let out a sigh, and begrudgingly accepted the offer, taking the rupees from her hand.) Driver: Alright then, ma'am. Since you insist... Maria: Good. And thanks for bringing me over here! See ya! (The driver then steered his horses back on the trail for New Hylia Town. She waved him off and started for the porch, where Z stood, now with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were sharp-looking, although not intimidating and solely fixed on her. As she neared the steps, she heard the driver's thanks echo with the wind...) "...THANK YOU!!!!" (Maria chucked at this, waved "Hi" to Z, and met his greeting.) Z: Hey. You're back. (He uncrossed his arms and stretched them for a hug once she had reached the top step. Coiled within his arms, Maria lifted her head a bit and whispered in his ear.) "How do you feel? I...hope I wasn't gone too long..." (Z gave her a genuine, reassuring smile as he replied...) Z: No. But I did miss you. (He released her and stroked a few strands of her hair.) Maria: That's why you should have came with me. The Sages are dying to see you... ("Oh boy...", Z thought, and took his seat on their porch bench once again. Maria set her purse down, and did the same.) Maria: You've got that look on your face. Like you'd rather I not bring them up. Z: No, no... It's just... Hmm... (He brought his index finger to his nose and scratched an itch as he thought of the right words to say.) Z: ...It's... Let's not rush it. Okay? I'm not hiding from anyone, I'd just like to get used to all of this. Maria: To all of what? Z: This. (He revealed his palms and raised them high into the air, suggesting that the "this" that he was referring to was the house, or really, the lifestyle. Maria looked around and thought, "Oh...", as his meaning came to her.) Maria: ...It's still an adjustment. The "home" life, I mean. Z: Yup. (A brief awkward silence walled between them, until Maria asked...) Maria: ...Do you still think about what happened in Termina? Oh, what am I saying... Of course you still think about it. What I meant to say was you...haven't accepted it yet, have you...? (A nervous smile flickered on her face as the question left her lips. She knew it was a risky thing to ask, but it would have bothered her more if she hadn't. To her surprise, his expression seemed to hold no anger, in fact, he almost looked..."happy.") Z: ...No, no, Maria, that's not it. And yeah, I'd be lying if I said I never think about what happened but I wasn't referring to that when I said, "this." I know it's weird... But I'm not really sure how to explain it. (Maria's brow rippled; her eyes illustrated her confusion.) Z: Uh... I guess it's just that I'm not exactly used to things being so "right." I mean nine months without an incident; I honestly can't remember any other time in my life when things have been so calm and easy. Well...maybe "easy" isn't exactly the right word but... Maria: I know what you mean. And yeah you're right, it does feel a little strange, but... I don't know, I can still enjoy it, I guess. And you should too. We should enjoy this together... (He shut his lids, smiled, and nodded.) Maria: Remember that day in Termina? That day when we just sat under that tree in North Clock Town? We talked about how this is what we both wanted, peace and relaxation. Now we've got it. Z, I'm not trying to sound like Ms. Pessimistic or anything but I think we both know that we may not get another nine months quite like this... ("Yeah...", he thought quietly, reflecting on her words. When he finished, he reopened his eyes and looked into hers; They were soft, embracing eyes. The kind she always had during his occasional "mopes." With a wide smile, complete with glinting sunlit pupils, he said...) Z: I... (He paused briefly, then placed his hand atop her shoulder.) Z: Thank you. (She lifted the hand from her shoulder and sandwiched it between both of her palms.) Maria: I get that it's not in your nature, but you don't always have to shoulder the load all on your own. And while I say that, I can also tell that you're really trying. (He had remained motionless, and only listened to her voice. Maria, in response, released his hand and stood up, gesturing him to follow her.) Maria: ...Let's go inside now. (Z raised himself from the bench and let out a loud yawn. He was exhausted physically and mentally from both his run and the thoughts that had scathed him only a few hours earlier.) Edited by Bx, May 24 2010, 02:47:30 PM.
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| Bx | May 22 2010, 01:15:48 PM Post #6 |
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Notorious
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(Inside, Z followed as Maria led them to the living room. It was a bit small but the modest interior design made it quite cozy. To put it quite plainly, the atmosphere made one feel welcome, a rare quality, especially for such a freshly built residence.) (While Maria sat on the sofa, Z found resting against the wall more comfortable and stayed on his feet, watching her as she looked around the room.) Maria: Where's Snuggs? (Z shrugged. As she was preparing to scold him, faint footsteps moving across the floor were heard. It was Snuggs, their large caramel-colored dog. Aside from the black splotches scattered across much of his face, Snuggs appeared to be your typical rottweiler-like dog as his intimidating exterior hid a much more gentle and playful interior. (A trait Maria adored) A gift for her, Z received the dog from an older woman whom they met on the ship leaving Termina. While Snuggs leaped onto Maria's lap, Z opened a conversation about Maria's day.) Z: So... How was the town? (Maria stopped stroking the fur on Snugg's head and looked up at him.) Maria: Um, not bad. Things are still coming together but uh... I'd say it's shaping up nicely all things considered. Z: Hmm... Maria: What? (He waved his open palm at her and replied...) Z: ...Nothing. Maria: You sure? Seemed like there was a lot of "something" behind that "nothing." Seriously, everything alright? (He grinned, displaying a few teeth, and nodded.) Z: Yeah. Everything's fine. Maria: Okay... Z: And the Sages? Maria: I already told you. They miss you and would like to see you for a change... Z: Aside from that. (She sighed.) Maria: ...Fine. They're fine, I guess. I mean, what do you want me to say? They're busy with all of the reconstruction and planning that needs to be done. (Z stayed quiet, holding his lower lip between his teeth. Without a verbal response from him, Maria patted Snuggs' head and told him to get off of her as she stood up and said...) Maria: Listen, if you don't have anything else to say, I'm gonna go upstairs and take a nap. (This move seemed to prompt a response from Z as he released his lip and said...) Z: Wait. Tell me about the reconstruction efforts, how's that going? (Maria rolled her eyes but answered...) Maria: Well, they've recently started erecting a cathedral where Lon Lon Ranch used to be. Z: A cathedral? Really? Maria: Yeah, it's in honor of those who died there during the evacuation two years ago. They're naming it after Farore because of the courage everyone showed. ("Courage, huh...", Z thought to himself, remembering what really happened. He recalled the evacuation as a miserable disaster. For him, it was the most honest illustration of the horror that panic and uncertainty could inspire in normal human beings.) Z: ...Well, that's definitely..."interesting." Maria: Why do you say it like that? Z: Take an "O" and "R" out of "Farore" and you have a more accurate description of what happened there. (Maria took a few seconds and removed the two letters from "Farore" and rearranged the "E" and the "R" to create the word, "Fear." "How heartless, Z...", she thought as she looked at him and said...) Maria: That's terrible, Z. How could you even think of something like that? Z: I was there. Remember? Maria: Okay... Whatever. I'm going up now. (She headed up the stairs to their bedroom for her nap. Z made his way to the couch and sat down. A certain pensiveness was marked on his face as he stared at the unlit fireplace with a thumb over his chin. "...Maybe she's right.", he told himself with a sigh. "I probably should go see them... Soon. Sometime this week, for sure.", he finished, removing the thumb from his chin.) (He felt some of the earlier mental strain wither as the thought left his mind. The slight grudge that he still felt toward the Sages was beginning to fade. Although he realized many months ago that acceptance of the past was the only way to continue progressing through life, it wasn't something that came naturally to him. Maybe it was his upbringing, or rather his experiences, but an urge to correct, not accept mistakes still lingered within his thoughts. In many ways that it is the nature of the "Hero", he or she is chosen, or chooses, to be the one who will resolve the conflict and bring closure to those in need of it. Uncorrectable "mistakes" seem to leave the saviors with a rigid set of options: Acceptance or Self-Destruction. This was something that Z understood all too well.) (As he lifted himself from the sofa, he stretched and howled a loud yawn before heading for the stairs. On the way up, as he held the banister, a soft rumble shook underneath his feet.) Z: Huh...? (He looked down at the steps below, then felt more vibrations against the banister. They were still light, similar to those felt during a thunderstorm, and despite the likely possibility that one was looming in the clouds, the rumbling had left an unusual imprint on him.) Z: Hmm... (He remained still, clenching the banister as he had been, waiting to feel another vibration. He stayed like this for no longer than a minute as nothing unusual had occurred. Whatever had caused the rumbling seemed to pass over and for Z, there was little reason to suspect anything more ominous than your average thundershower.) (Maria was lying in bed when Z opened the door to their bedroom. With the bed sheet draped over her body, she had positioned herself facing the side opposite Z's and had one hand tucked under her pillow and the other held near her face. Z smiled at the sight but only briefly when he realized that she was not asleep. Walking toward the bed, he asked...) Z: What's the matter? Can't sleep? (Without looking at him, she answered...) Maria: I guess... When I actually got in the bed, I just didn't feel tired anymore. Z: Yeah, I know the feeling. (He chuckled. She finally turned her head in his direction and smiled wryly.) Z: ...I know this is usually "your line" but is there something on your mind? Anything you wanna talk about? I Maria: Ha. It may be "my line" but it's nice to hear it from your mouth for a change. Anyway, no, I'm fine. But still, it was sweet of you to ask... (Her cheeks flushed to compliment a wider smile than her previous one and Z acknowledged it with one of his own.) Z: I try, Maria. I try. (Sensing the moment, Z made his way to the bed and sat at the side where he slept. Much of the tension from earlier had quelled and any eerie feelings he felt had dissipated as well. His facial features had relaxed noticeably and captured the essence of his once frolic-filled youth. Maria watched him the entire time, her gaze had now become a deep stare. Z felt the intensity of her eyes and turned towards her, but as he did so, she rose, latched onto his shoulders, and began kissing his neck.) Maria: I love you so much... Z: I... I love you, too, Maria. (Maria pulled her lips from Z's neck but continued stroking his shoulders with her soft, tender touch.) Maria: I just wish you'd relax a little more and realize that this is our life now. What happened in Termina isn't gonna happen again. (Z stayed quiet and listened.) Maria: I'm not saying forget, I know you can't. To be honest, I can't, either. But you don't realize how much I enjoy seeing you smile and just being happy. It takes me back to when we first met, to when I had my first feelings for you. I guess what I'm just trying to say is that... It won't happen again. Termina won't happen again. (She was no longer rubbing his shoulders, but her hands were rested on them quite firmly. Z, without looking at her, opened his mouth as if about to reply but he stopped himself. Her words carried more weight than anyone's in his mind, but he chose not to reply, he simply raised his eyebrows and displayed a hint of a smile. Maria noticed the smile from his raised cheeks and knew that he had listened well and understood. Z patted her left hand, which was still on his shoulder, telling her to remove it as he stood on his feet.) (Before he could utter a word, they heard a loud banging at the door. Someone was knocking, and hard.) Edited by Bx, Jun 8 2010, 12:44:47 AM.
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| Bx | Jun 8 2010, 06:16:07 PM Post #7 |
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Notorious
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BANG! BANG! BANG! (The pounding at the door continued, growing louder and louder with every second that it remained unopened. The sense of urgency that each knock contained startled both Z and Maria, who were now wide-eyed and staring at each other.) Maria: ...You better go get that. Z: Yeah. Stay here. (She nodded as he turned on his heel, left the room, and headed downstairs. Snuggs had begun barking at the door, either out of annoyance or possibly suspicion. At this point, the rumbling that Z felt earlier had returned to his thoughts. His past experiences had negated any chance of him believing in coincidences. "They just don't happen...", he told himself. Despite his uneasy thoughts, he approached the door with little apprehension and yelled...) Z: Who's there!? (The knocking stopped. Z squinted his eyes, suggesting suspicion, as he waited for a response.) "...It's me. Nabooru." ("Nabooru?", Z wondered. "What's she doing here?", he finished. A second later, he opened the door, seeing the Desert Sage for the first time in over six months. From her gaunt expression, however, Z knew this would be no joyous meeting.) Nabooru: Hello, Z. ...H-how have you been? Z: ...Not bad. Is...something wrong, Nabooru? (Even if she had been trying to maintain her composure, her face, the slight stutter, it all told its own story. Her tanned, cheddar-like complexion was pallid and her eyes, even for the stern Nabooru, seemed overly troubled. Either age was finally beginning to wither Nabooru's delicate features or something was amiss. It seemed the latter.) Nabooru: ...It's Kakariko. Z: Kaka... "Z! Z! Who was it!?" (Maria interrupted from upstairs. Without turning around, Z yelled...) Z: It's Nabooru, Maria! I'll be up there in a sec... Nabooru: Did I inter...? Z: No, you didn't. Now tell me, what's happened to Kakariko? (As her mouth opened, Nabooru's eyes shifted away from Z's. She couldn't hold steady eye contact, a detail Z quietly took note of.) Nabooru: It's bad... Z, it's real ba... Z: Nabooru, you're not acting like yourself! Tell me what's going on already!? Nabooru: ...I-I'm sorry... A, a beast has invaded the town... Z: A beast? You couldn't take care of it? (Nabooru's eyes rounded a bit, then quickly shut.) Nabooru: ...No. Z, you think I'd come all this way if I could? ("Must be some beast, then... Nabooru's the strongest Sage left. Hmm... I don't like this. I don't like this at all...", Z thought, and cringed when an old foe's voice chimed in.) "...I...followed...part of Ganondorf's...ph-philosoph-phy....and have....ensured that....you, "hero" w-will n-not receive a moment's...rest. As...I die, the....other will take....my place..." "Ha, ha, ha.... It's already started.... Within the forest..... It's already...started..." (That day. Those words. Even after nearly two years, Alvius' final words still hung over Z's head. One could have compared it to a vulture hovering over a weakened, dying victim; despite the victim's desire to escape its predator, the vulture will eventually descend and eat away it. Z had never questioned the validity of Alvius' words despite great efforts to convince himself otherwise. "He was always a man of his word... If nothing else, he was that.", Z told himself, clenching a weak fist with his left hand.) ("So, a beast too strong for Nabooru... I wonder... Has Alvius' "other" finally decided to show himself?", the voice in his head pondered, initiating an unusual stare from Nabooru's golden, cat-like eyes.) Nabooru: You okay, Z? (Z broke the stare, only to inspect Nabooru's face, not her expression but her features. To his surprise, there were no marks, no signs of a struggle, her face was quite clean actually. He then glanced at the rest of her frame, and like her face, there were no scratches, bruises, cuts, or anything to show that she had been involved in any sort of combat. It struck him as odd, not exactly suspicious, but peculiar.) Z: Nabooru, how'd you manage to get out of Kakariko without a scratch? (Without answering, she dug in her pocket, pulled out her clenched fist, then extended her palm towards him, and showed him the object.) Nabooru: This. Z: Hmm...? (Z examined the object for a moment. At glance, it appeared to be a jewel of some sort marked by a prominent shine and sleek metallic coating. But its most striking feature, the one which had captivated Z's eye, was it's color, its oddly familiar deep teal color. Seconds later, his pupils dilated, and it hit him.) "...T-t-t-this... is the greatest....p-p-piece of....e...equip...ment ever....made...." Z: A warp gem? Nabooru: Yes. The Sages and I managed to find one while we were clearing the debris of Alvius' Castle. Z: Did you find any others? Nabooru: No. This is only one as far as I know. Z: And they gave it to you? Nabooru: I was the one who found it. Z: I see. So let me guess, you want me to use that to get to Kakariko? Nabooru: That was the idea, yes. (Z took a step back. A pensive, almost sullen expression had now wrinkled his face. "This is real...", he thought, and stretched his lids briefly as Nabooru stepped forward.) Nabooru: You don't look so good... Z: Neither do you. Nabooru: Z, I under- (Z raised an open hand, gesturing her to stop. The sullenness still wore through his eyes but a cool sharpness had cut through the rest of his features, giving him a paradoxical aura of unyielding confidence and dispirited uncertainty. He was a cloud without a sky, fully formed and poised to marvel at yet still out-of-place.) Z: ...I've got to go get my stuff. But tell me Nabooru... (He turned his head toward her.) Z: What's this beast like? (Nabooru tilted her head back as if she were looking up at something. From that, two outlines of this "beast" formed within Z's head.) Z: ...That big? (She shook, "No", still with her face toward the ceiling.) Z: ...It flies? (She brought her head down and nodded silently. He returned the gesture likewise, and started upstairs, his weapon of choice now made up in his mind.) (Upstairs, he found Maria, no longer perched in bed, but standing pressed against their clothing drawer. While she didn't seem unnerved, Z felt the anxiety upon entering the room.) Maria: Um, what did Nabooru want? Z: Bad news. Maria: What? What's wrong? (Her vocal tone had grown louder and more pronounced. Without a doubt, she was now concerned and speculating Z's next move. Although busy searching through his weapons chest, Z did hear her and opened his mouth to answer when his entire face glazed over. His body went still but his mind traveled back to Termina. He had stumbled upon his sword, the sword that he had used to slay Alvius, the same sword that shed the blood of both Olivia and his brother... "I can't...", he told himself quite defiantly, referencing the promise he secretly made to himself. His thoughts were now on the ship sailing back to Hyrule, the ship where he had promised to never wield that blade again. Go back on that? No. He couldn't. For him, it meant disrespecting their memory and nothing was worse than that.) Maria: Z, are you deaf? What did Nabooru say? ...Or maybe I should have asked, "What's in the chest...?" (Examining his odd behavior a bit more closely, she toned down her abrasiveness and advanced toward him. Sensing her from behind, and returning to the present, at least mentally, Z quickly lifted his bow and a quiver of fifty arrows from the chest. When he felt her hand atop his shoulder, he again, opened his mouth to speak but not before her.) Maria: Uh... Everything okay? Z: Yeah, sorry about that. Lot of memories in this chest, y'know? Maria: Yeah, I know. (She slid her palm from his shoulder while he erected himself from the crouched position. Z took a quick glance at her, then remembered her question from earlier.) Z: Oh, um, yeah, there's bad news. Listen, I've gotta get to Kakariko, and fast. Maria: Wait a minute, what happened? Z: Apparently there's some kind of flying beast assaulting the village, at least according to Nabooru. Maria: A flying beast? Where did it com- Z: ...No idea. Maria: Z, you're not gonna like this and I know you're not gonna listen to me, but I'm not sure you should go. Z: What? Why not? (He glared at her sharply.) Maria: Well, for one thing, you're not fully healed from that fight in Termina. Everyday you complain about something hurting you. And now you're gonna go fight some flying beast that you know nothing about? Is this thing so bad that Nabooru, or any of the other Sages for that matter, can't fend it off themselves? (He sighed, rolled his eyes and thought, "If you knew what I knew you wouldn't be saying this..." A reference to the possibility that this beast was Alvius' threatened "other".) Z: ...So maybe I'm not a hundred percent, but I don't know, it must be that bad if Nabooru's come all this way to get me. I don't think she'd be doing this if she could take care of the situation on her own... You know Nabooru, she's got a ton of pride, it takes a lot for her to ask anyone for anything... ("Well, you got me there...", Maria voiced inside. But rather than express her conjecture, she added...) Maria: That's another thing... How are you gonna get to Kakariko in time to do anything? I mean, it's such a long ways away... Z: Nabooru used a warp gem to get here. I'm gonna use it to get over there. (Maria's eyes widened and closed shortly after. Her now pouted lips and silence conveyed a sense of defeat.) Maria: ...Fine. Go. I've already wasted enough of your time. (Z smiled, weakly but quite genuinely at her, then stretched his arms out for a hug. She returned the embrace while he placed his lips close to her ear.) "Listen, I'll be back. I promise. Remember, no matter what, I've always pulled through. Just please, stay safe. ...I love you." (Z completed the embrace with a long kiss on the cheek, and a soft stroke of her hair. Despite his warm, encouraging words, her relief was only superficial, troubled thoughts still lingered within. She watched from what seemed like a great distance, in reality only a few feet, as he exited the room, off for yet another test of himself.) Edited by Bx, Jun 20 2010, 11:22:49 PM.
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| Bx | Jun 21 2010, 12:49:56 AM Post #8 |
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Notorious
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"...WAIT!" (Maria yelled. Only three steps from the door, Z whipped himself around, and peeked at her through the doorway.) Z: What's the matter? Maria: ...Can I come with you? (She clamped down on her lower lip shyly, and avoided his stare, focusing on the floor tiles instead.) Z: Maria... (He exhaled forcefully and started shaking his head as if hesitant to scold her.) Z: Why do you want to come? I thought you didn't even want me going... (Maria now raised her eyes from the floor and locked them onto his.) Maria: ...I still don't want you to go. But I guess... (She sighed.) Maria: You know what, forget it. I'm sorry. Go on. Z: No, what were you gonna say? Maria: Don't worry about it. Go on, like I said. (Z had grown frustrated. The rippling of his forehead and the sharpening of his brow illustrated this quite clearly despite speaking in a patient tone.) Z: Maria. You asked to come along, I just wanna know why. ...Are you afraid? Maria: For you? Z: Yes. Maria: I figured you'd already know the answer to that. (Z let out a passive grunt.) Maria: Alright, sorry. I'll just get to the point. It's just that I'm worried something bad is gonna happen. I've got that feeling... ("You're not the only one...", Z whispered to himself.) Z: You've got a premonition yet you still wanna tag along? That doesn't make a ton of sense to me, Maria. If you are right, there's no point in something happening to the both of us. I'd like to avoid needless bloodshed whenever possible Maria: But Z... Oh... You won't want to hear this, but I can't shake the thought that this could be some kind of setup, you know? It's not like it's never happened to us before... I know I'm a liability either way, but... Z: No you're not. Don't say things like that. (She smiled. Z's compliments, however awkward, were always so authentic. She appreciated that quality.) Maria: ...Okay, maybe not, but I'd still rather be with you anyway. (That was her case, clear and thorough. She capped her argument with a smile that expressed a wealth of feelings through the shyest of lips. Z saw this, but it was her argument more so than this rare display of fragility that stirred in his mind. "She's right... It could be a trap. And then if she's captured...? Or worse... Where would that leave me? ...I don't wanna know. It's such a risk either way, but I've nearly lost her so many times and through so many circumstances, I can't just leave her here alone... Not now.") Z: Okay. You can come. I guess we'll just have to see this through together. (Maria's chocolate-colored eyes lit up as the heartfelt smile from before shaped itself into an elated one. A little odd considering the circumstances, but Z was glad nonetheless. Putting a smile on her face, even for a moment, provided him with a unique satisfaction. In the simplest of terms, it always felt better (from his perspective) to make her happy.) Maria: Thanks. And I promise, whatever happens, I won't get in the way. Z: You better not. Try to the stay on the sidelines or wherever it's safe. I've got enough to worry about. Maria: You think you can handle it? Whatever it is? I mean if Nabooru couldn't... Z: ...I'll cross that bridge when I get there. C'mon. (Z motioned for her to follow as he exited the room and started down the stairwell. Maria stayed behind, looked back at her drawer and remarked, "Hmm...", as if she were forgetting something. A second later, she opened the drawer and pulled out her ocarina. The fairy ocarina that Z had given to her when they had gotten lost in the Mysterious Woods of Termina. She dropped the instrument in her purse and hurried out of the room.) "Maria, come on!" (Z shouted at her from the bottom floor.) Maria: I'm coming! Hold on! (Z rolled his eyes, but wasn't annoyed. His thoughts were centered on the battle ahead. Upon meeting Nabooru's stare, Z noticed a rare somberness in her eyes. It was uncharacteristic of her, Nabooru was often quite stoic and rarely showed a broad range of emotions. "Hmm...", Z pondered, before the Gerudo began to speak.) Nabooru: You're bringing Maria along? Z: Yeah... Nabooru: Think that's wise? Z: I've come to realize that it's not about what I think anymore... (She chuckled, though it seemed to Z that it was more out of politeness than humor. Nabooru's demeanor lacked any sense of composure. Her body language suggested that she was either unsure of herself, or...something. This, in particular, worried Z as he stretched his palm open, signaling her to give him the warp gem. She did.) Z: If we all touch a part of it, we'll be transported, right? Nabooru: Yes. Z: Okay. (Maria had now appeared. Z turned to her and asked...) Z: What were you doing up there? Maria: I forgot something. Z: ...Alright. (Nabooru directed her stare at Maria now.) Nabooru: You're sure you want to come? I promise you, taking care of this thing isn't going to be a cake walk, even for Z. Maria: I understand that. But have you thought of the possibility that this could be a trap? Lure Z out and then come for me? I can take care of myself against your average schmo but not the freaks that we've dealt with in the past... Nabooru: I see. Z: Speaking of which... Here, take this. (Z handed her a small dagger that he had holstered on his belt.) Z: If anything should happen, you'll at least have a weapon. (Maria beamed another smile.) Maria: Thanks. ...But let's hope it doesn't get to that. Nabooru: Are you two ready to go now? Z: Yeah. But hold on a sec, Nabooru. Think you can give me a scouting report of what I'm about to face? (Nabooru shut her eyes, holding them tight to her face, while she swallowed a large gulp of saliva. Another indication to Z that something was definitely wrong. Her face unchanged, Nabooru answered...) Nabooru: ...Strong. ...Relentless. (She lifted her lids open and gazed into his eyes.) Nabooru: That enough for you? Z: Never is. Ha. Okay, let's go now. Nabooru: The warp gem will take us just outside of the village, and after this use... It'll be useless. Z: Alright. Wasn't planning on relying on the thing anyway... Okay then, everyone touch the gem now. (They each rested their hands on the stone and upon Nabooru's command were warped just outside of Kakariko Village, or more accurately, the chaos.) Edited by Bx, Jun 23 2010, 12:35:59 AM.
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| Bx | Jun 26 2010, 12:04:31 AM Post #9 |
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Notorious
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(Piercing screams could be heard from the village, their howls of anguish vibrated on Z and the others' eardrums. It was a sound as grating as a fingernail driven across a chalkboard, but as ominous as a howling tornado. From their position, Z and the others stood watching the skies above while their ears filled with the dreaded noise.) Z: ...Sounds bad. Maria: Yeah, really bad... You guys, uh... sure you're ready? (Z brought his head down and looked at her.) Z: Either we are or we're dead. I guess we could still run away but... what good would that do? (Maria nodded. Z glanced over at Nabooru, her dejected expression remained unchanged. Z sighed as he reached for his bow, then started up the village stairs that led into Kakariko. Maria followed behind, with Nabooru taking the rear. Upon reaching the top step, Z received his first glimpse of the new foe.) Z: Holy... Maria: What is it!? (Z didn't answer. His feet locked in place as if swallowed by cement, he watched as the beast shredded the skies before swooping down to the village below. Moments later...) BOOM!!! (A spire of flames jutted from the ground, incinerating the sky as miniature fires separated from the original blaze and spiraled back to the earth. The falling flames resembled that of water shooting from a sprinkler. A fitting image to compliment the villagers' cries as Z and the others summoned the courage to enter the burning village.) Maria: Z, watch your step! (Maria called out to him, and he dodged a pile of flames set rather inconspicuously on the grass. Z raised a hand and waved to her to show his appreciation, then looked back at both her and Nabooru.) Z: You two, take cover! I'll handle it! (An odd command considering that the entire village had been incinerated with only a few buildings still erect. And the few that remained were flooded with both living and dead villagers. Many of the living had resorted to piling the dead on top of their own bodies for cover, a desperate attempt to avoid certain death. Despite stepping stepping on both lifeless and living bodies, Maria and Nabooru managed to find cover behind one of the only buildings still standing, a trade house.) (Z, now running at full speed, found himself mere feet behind the beast. A witness to the carnage, he was now left with little doubt that this was Alvius' "other." A terrifying beast of unspeakable evil. Pulling an arrow from his quiver, he harnessed his bow, positioned the arrow, aimed at the monster's backside, and fired.) ...!? (The arrow bounced off of the beast's back and fell to the ground in unspectacular fashion.) Z: ...No way! (As the words left his lips, the winged monster whipped around, and glared at his awestruck attacker. Maria and Nabooru remained behind the trade house and watched with a horrific glint in their eyes as a stare down ensued between Z and the unnamed foe.) Maria: Nabooru, it's spotted him! (Nabooru kept her silence behind tightened lips.) (Although unconfirmed that this was Alvius' promised "other", the beast possessed all the necessary physical traits. It was large, at least eight and a half feet long, shrouded in a black coloring that glossed like metal, and hovered with the help of angular moth-like wings that, when closed, would encase its entire body. Oddly, the inside of this otherworldly being had a set of arms attached to its lower half that held, of all things, a violin. The beast had four arms, two normal, and two that held, and played, the violin. Its tune was eerie yet quite appropriate for the scene. Unlike its figure, the beast's face was not grotesque, and had fine human-like qualities, though with a demonic flare, particularly its eyes, a gleaming silver illuminated with a crimson tint from the encompassing flames.) (Z held his stare with the winged creature, though his breathing was unrelaxed and pressured. Using unremarkable terms, he was nervous and unsure what to expect. "...That arrow did nothing... What the hell is this thing!?", he asked himself, half-expecting an answer of some sort. Before his next thought a group of surviving villagers appeared beside Z, weapons in hand, and ready to strike.) Maria: What are those guys doing!? (As the villagers charged forward at the beast, the ground began to crack under their feet and what appeared to be faded images of deceased victims rose from these broken patches of land. The village-help fired a round of earsplitting screams, all in unison, as the faded victims, under their demonic master's influence, grabbed their bodies and launched them into the nearby unfilled well. After this act, the "victims" disappeared and the beast snapped its clawed fingers, igniting a rush of flames from the well, creating a similar rising spiral of fire from earlier. A more than suitable backdrop for all to witness as the monster faced Z once more, this time with a devilish smirk across his lips.) Z: Whoa... (Wide-eyed, Z stared at the beast with his mouth hanging slightly and trembling in short spurts. He was left unable to verbalize his shock. The beast's wings wrapped around its body, providing a natural shield as its feet finally touched the ground. Like this, it spoke...) ???: You shouldn't look so frightened. I believe it sullies your reputation. That being said, those men were doomed from the start. There was nothing you could do. I find myself amazed at the typical human's reaction to death. Why expend so much emotion for such a mundane occurrence? People die everyday. Does the mean really make any difference? The end result is all the same. And while I care little for this brand of carnage, judging from your expression, I would say it definitely leaves quite the imprint. (Z's face hardened after these words. While complete composure hadn't yet returned, he regained enough to speak.) Z: ...What are you? ???: You mean, "Who?" "What" is a bit uncivil, no? I am not an animal. In any case, my name is Mephisto and I am...in the simplest of terms, a collector. Z: Of what? Mephisto: Souls. (Z's eyes bulged once more at this statement and he was left, yet again, without a response. Mephisto laughed at this, Z's bug-eyed look had provided him great amusement.) Mephisto: There's that look again. Ha, ha... Oh well. I suppose my expectations were a bit too high considering you're the less- (Z was still too stunned to notice, but Mephisto had cut himself off. The demon then shifted his focus from Z, to the area where Nabooru and Maria were hiding. Having gotten over the earlier shock, Z turned toward them and saw that both were witnessing this encounter, and well aware of the danger he was in.) Mephisto: ...Friends? (Mephisto's gaze fell upon Z once more.) Z: ...And if they are? Mephisto: You may want to consider getting new ones. Z: WHAT!? (Z spun around, and watched as Mephisto's wings unfurled to their natural position, exposing his chest area. From this view, Z noticed Mephisto's middle finger and thumb positioned as if he were ready to snap. "NO!", Z heard himself shout, glancing at the still burning fire in the well. He hunched his back and made a useless charge at Mephisto, useless because the beast snapped his fingers a second later.) BOOM! Edited by Bx, Jun 27 2010, 01:16:14 AM.
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| Bx | Jun 29 2010, 12:38:48 AM Post #10 |
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Notorious
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("Oh no... No... No...", Z told himself repeatedly, left aghast at what he had just witnessed. Mephisto had ignited a massive explosion mere feet from where Maria and Nabooru had been standing. The actual point of impact, however, was not known. The attack was different from the previous one Mephisto had used in the well, as it appeared to be a gleaming ball of energy that flashed just before detonation. A hand over his heart and his features wrinkled by despondency, Z watched as the smoke dissipated, revealing the first murky outlines of the blast's remnants. Though he peered through the thick quilt of fog, he still could not gauge any sign of either Maria or Nabooru.) ("Please... Please, please, please be okay...", he told himself. His mind was telling him to rush to the scene, to see the results for himself, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Perhaps it was his heart that best conveyed his reasoning. Z could feel his heartbeat slowing, becoming more delayed as the seconds passed and the uncertainty grew. Any thoughts of attacking Mephisto were placed on hold, his only concern was the safety of both his lover and friend. That, however, did not stop Mephisto from antagonizing the shell-shocked hero.) Mephisto: ...Didn't you listen to me earlier, boy? You're making yourself vulnerable worrying about the mundane! ...Well, that being said, considering the result... Maybe it's not so mundane. Ha, ha, ha... (Z appeared unaffected by Mephisto's taunts or his shrill laughter. He seemed intensely focused on the status of his loved ones. It is likely he did not hear the demon's words.) Mephisto: You're quite demoralized, aren't you? (Mephisto asked quite rhetorically.) Mephisto: Hmm... (An odd smile raised his prominent cheekbones. A few seconds at most had passed when his wings began to sway forward and back, at first slowly then more briskly with each thrust. Z felt the breeze from this, and turned his head toward Mephisto, giving him a confused, squint-eyed look, but the stare was avoided. While turning around, however, he realized what Mephisto was doing. Much of the smoke had been cleared.) Z: ...They're...? (His pupils had dilated as the remaining smoke drifted past the explosion site, revealing a line of bodies struggling for air. But as Z scanned across the row, inspecting each body, he became more dejected.) Z: ...not there... So... "AHH!!!" ("That voice!", Z's shouted, as he spun around and saw her.) Z: Nabooru! (Nabooru was alive, and from her appearance, surprisingly well. She was charging at Mephisto, twin daggers in hand and from her expression, aiming to kill. While happy to see her alive, Z wondered about Maria. She wasn't with Nabooru, or anywhere near. "Where could she be then!?", he asked himself, as he watched Mephisto leap into the air to divert Nabooru's strike. This, however, did not deter her as she tossed one of her daggers at his chest area, then sprung into the air herself and managed to latch onto his legs. It was quite apparent that her age had not yet affected her skills in any measurable way. That being said, it was still an uneven contest as Mephisto's skill outflanked her own by a considerable margin.) (Nabooru's grip loosened with each kick that Mephisto whipped at the air. His clawed toes dug within the skin over her chest area, opening a wound that seeped blood onto the ground below where Z stood. But she held on firmly, refusing to let him overpower her, no matter the cost. Looking down at Z, Nabooru saw that he was only watching, rather gawkily, her struggle. "What is he doing!?", she asked herself, before gathering enough strength to yell.) Nabooru: What are... ugh... Z... What are you... doing...?! F-F-FIGHT!!!! Mari.... (Her weakened lungs would allow no more. Z was still concerned about Maria but spurred into action after her hearing her cries, he readied an arrow onto his bow and took aim at Mephisto, whose flight speed now lacked the "zip" from earlier. He was slowed, drudging along at a pace that favored Z's near-marksman skill.) Z: Okay... Gonna get 'em right in the heart. Gotta wait for it, though. (Mephisto continued floating in the air, still with Nabooru gripped onto his legs, and then he stopped.) Z: This is my chance! (Z fired. Mephisto, as if he hadn't seen the arrow headed directly at him, looked down at Nabooru.) Mephisto: ...My, aren't we putting on a good show. Ha, ha, ha... (Nabooru groaned at this, then was flung into the air as Mephisto whipped himself back and performed an acrobatic flip in midair in an effort to counter Z's arrow. The arrow bounced off of Mephisto's wings as it had earlier, then the fiend made himself horizontal with the sky like he was ready to fly away but he remained still. Nabooru who had been freefalling above him, landed on his back.) Z: NO! That... Are you kidding me!? Mephisto: Care to take another shot!? (Mephisto taunted. Z glared at him, making a snarling sound with his teeth, but he stopped this display immediately when the ground began to rumble, and then split open a few feet from where he stood. A similar scene had occurred earlier and if that correlated to this, Z shuddered at the thought. His fears were slowly confirmed moments later: the faded human hands raised from the ground as one would expect from an undead creature, and lifted themselves onto the surface. Z grasped another arrow from his quiver, settled it between his bowstring and handle, and aimed at one of Mephisto's "souls." But as he prepared to shoot, he realized that something was amiss. The creatures dashed past him, apparently focused on another target.) Z: Huh...? (Then, as he noticed where they were running toward, it hit him.) Z: Maria... (Z started to run after them until...) BOOM! Mephisto: Not so fast. ...You should have known better. (Mephisto had set off one of his explosive flashes, one that lifted Z off of the ground for a second or so before he crashed onto some rubble. That wasn't the only consequence, however, as the blast had left an impassable row of flames, at least eight feet high, between him and the patch of land around the well, where the souls and presumably Maria were located.) (Z squirmed to his feet, rubbing his spine, as he pressed toward the flames. "No...", he cried, stretching his arm out before his left knee smashed into the scattered ruins. From this position, he watched the "souls" scour around the well for their target, whoever or whatever it was. "It has to be Maria... Dammit!", he yelled, before again, erecting himself.) Mephisto: Fear and resolve. Quite the combination... Eh, Nabooru? (The Desert Sage didn't reply. She had long since passed out. The blood loss and strain had depleted her of the little she had to offer. Mephisto now clenched her comatose figure with one arm. A light smirk on his face, the overhead view of Z's struggle provided him with much amusement. However, Z made no effort to indulge him further, he took a small step forward, and remained on his feet. "A good sign...", he thought, breathing a sigh. Seeing the row of flames and understanding the severity of his condition, however brief, he began brainstorming ways to impact the situation to his favor. "Okay... I've got my bow so... Yeah. Yeah, that's it. I don't know if it'll work but it's all I've got.", he told himself with strong conviction. His bow and arrow were his best, if not only, chance.) (Z grunted a bit from the back pain. His spine certainly wasn't broken, but the shearing pain made it seem like so. This was more than likely only temporary but he'd have to work with it until it subsided. He managed to pull out another arrow from his quiver and harnessed it within his bow. All that was left was to perfect his aim, a task Mephisto, still looking on from above, found rather enjoyable to watch.) Mephisto: Again with the arrows... Doesn't he get it yet? I was under the impression that he was a swordsman, but I see no sword. Hmm... Did he purposely come out here to be defeated? Or was he just that overconfident? Either way, if he continues with this flawed rationale... I suppose his soul won't be as valuable as I thought. (Z stretched his elbow back as he yanked the bowstring. He felt a tremble wriggle through his veins while in this position, but he did his best to maintain a steady aim. Never would one have thought such a simple action could become so daunting as he felt a sharp tingling sensation stream down his spine the longer he held the bowstring. The souls were not allowing him any reprieve either, they had since vanished on the search for their still unknown target. This, along with the scope of the situation, would change drastically as they reappeared, with Maria at their mercy.) Z: ...Maria! Maria! Get up! Wake up, Maria!! Stop them! (Z cried out, hoping Maria would obey. But he knew she wouldn't, or rather, couldn't. The souls had her by the wrists, dragging her toward the well. She was unconscious, her free will now in the "hands" of Mephisto's souls. Z targeted one of the beings that was dragging her and fired an arrow at it. He trusted its path, watching wide-eyed as it traveled forward through the flames. The arrow's already piercing tip now possessed a flame touch as it continued toward its target, a point which heightened Z's anticipation of Maria's safety. If nothing else, that alone wouldn't make the day a total failure. But Z's luck, or Mephisto's power, both equally apt reasons, wouldn't allow for such fortune.) Z: ...Damn. Damn! (The flaming arrow passed through its intended soul in a mundane fashion, almost as if it had merely struck a sheet of air, then descended to the ground on its natural path. Useless. His only realistic option had been a complete waste. "I've gotta do something...", Z told himself, and without a second thought, jolted toward the flames only to have his spinal pain wrestle him to the ground as if he were wearing a harness that had been stretched too far. Face down on the grass, he pulled his head up and watched the souls drag, lift, and toss Maria's lifeless, frail-looking body into the waterless well.) "NOOO!!!!!!!!" (Z howled, tears draining from his eyes. Mud began to spill from his chin onto the soil when his tears mixed with the dirt plastered over his cheeks. "She's dead... She's dead...", he repeatedly whispered. Although the fire that Mephisto had ignited within the well had died down considerably, Z could only picture her body crashing like a ragdoll to the bottom. Flames or not, the drop was enough to kill a full grown man, let alone a sixteen-year-old girl.) Z: No... No, I can't think like this. I've gotta get down there. Somehow... (Though logic told him otherwise, he refused to believe that Maria had died. That he had let her die. Mephisto didn't matter anymore, he had forgotten the monster's existence for that moment, he just wanted to find Maria. Mephisto, however, had his own agenda.) Mephisto: That's one less thorn. (Mephisto said with a sarcastic bite to his tone. He then shot a look over at Z, who he noticed crawling toward the flames in an ill-advised attempt to save Maria.) Mephisto: Hmm... No, Z, I'm afraid you can't play "hero" for the girl today. (Mephisto swooped down and hovered over the well. Locking a stare with Z, he asked...) Mephisto: Tears in your eyes? Dirt all over your face? Such a miserable sight... You're the star of our little masquerade, Z! You shouldn't look so afraid! I promise, you'll only die here if you're stupid enough to take your own life. So please, redeem at least a fraction of your reputation... (Z raised his palm and wiped the mud from his cheeks, though much of it remained smeared over his face. Still, it was an attempt at restoring some of his dignity. Mephisto was not impressed, smiling devilishly at the broken hero.) Z: ...I'll do whatever you want. Please, just tell me if she's alive or not... Mephisto: Hmm? Z: Tell me if she's alive, I said!! (He pounded his trembling fist against the grass.) Z: ...That's all I... I want... Mephisto: Why don't you just take my advice and stop wasting so much of your time worrying about the mundane! If she's dead, what does it matter? It happens everyday. It's happening right now, all around you, and you accept that without a second thought ever crossing your mind. Why not do the same with her? (Z glared at him without a word. Mephisto rolled his eyes, then shook his head, "No.") Mephisto: ...I do not know whether she's alive or dead. That being said... I won't allow you to find out either. (He made a lifting motion with his free arm.) Z: Wha...? (The ladder leading to the bottom of the well unlatched itself, then ascended slowly into the air as Mephisto steadily raised his curled hand.) Z: No! (Z watched as the ladder floated high above, then tilted to its right until it was horizontal. "Oh shit, he's gonna hit me...", Z told himself as the ladder began to whip itself around in a circular motion like a propeller. After several rotations, when it had gained enough speed, Mephisto yanked his hand back, hurling the spinning ladder, not at Z, but at the windmill resting prominently in the background. The ladder ripped through the windmill, splitting it in two. The top half crashed into the bottom and the weight of it all buried the structure's foundation into the ground.) Mephisto: I will waste no more time here. ...Something's coming for you, Z! Look out! (Z, still gazing at the windmill's spectacular crash, murmured "Huh?" upon hearing Mephisto's warning complete with his cackling laugh. Then, and not a second later, he felt a tug at both of his wrists before whatever had latched onto him began to drag him back toward Kakariko's entrance.) Z: Ahh! (He yelled, turning his head to both sides to see what was pulling him.) Z: You...b-bastards! (Two hands, both faded, were the culprits. Z wrestled with them, trying to break free, but it was like a chariot of horses were chained to his wrists, and he was unable to loosen their grip. His already injured back became inflamed as it skated against the ground, including some remnants from the fallen buildings. While this was occurring, Mephisto was flying behind, directing energy blasts at any and all buildings that had remained erect, bringing them to the ground upon impact. Z could only watch as the already ravaged city crumbled structure by structure before him. As Z was driven past Kakariko's entrance gate, he saw no building, big or small, standing. Mephisto had erased the city one structure at a time, more than likely leaving no survivors in its wake. Its green grass quilted by rubble and debris, Kakariko had been left as a concrete wasteland.) Edited by Bx, Jul 5 2010, 11:45:39 PM.
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| Bx | Jul 5 2010, 12:38:13 AM Post #11 |
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Notorious
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(After being dragged down the stairs leading into Kakariko, the faded "hands" released Z's wrists, leaving him on his back where he laid wounded and immobile, at least until Mephisto arrived. The demon, having now finished his decimation of Kakariko Village, floated over Z's body and yelled, "I know you've got more fight in you than that! Get up, you fool!!", before launching an energy blast at him. Z dodged it, rolling away from the blast's path. Using his left arm, he shielded his eyes from the dirt scattered into the air by the attack. Seeing this, Mephisto remarked...) Mephisto: That's it. Give a man the right motivation and you'll undoubtedly see results. That being said, I'll excuse your poor showing in the village due to the shock of all this. Or maybe it was overestimation of your own abilities. In any case, you'll either prove your worth to me or not. I don't care either way, but if you value your life... I suggest you at least attempt the former. (Z writhed with pain, his body convulsing involuntarily, as he held silent eye contact with Mephisto.) Mephisto: ...You can start by heading for the Lost Woods. Don't worry, there won't be an ambush. And also, you'd be fool to try and make your way back into Kakariko, I've already made certain that getting through all the rubble would take far too many days than you have to spare, especially in your current condition, so don't even bother trying. If the girl is not already dead, she'll survive on her own accord. I hate damsels-in-distress. Like it or not, you have only one choice. Well, two, I suppose, if you'd just like to lay there and die but I'll assume that that isn't the case. So as I said before, find a way and get to the Lost Woods. (Mephisto dropped to the ground and stood beside Z, still looking over him. Z threw his fist at Mephisto rather weakly, but failed to connect. The demon had flicked his fist away, then rested his hefty palm over the boy's throbbing chest.) Mephisto: Relax. This is so there will be no excuses... (From Mephisto's hand, Z felt a warmth surge through his spine, alleviating the pain. As if he knew that Z's back was healed, Mephisto yanked his hand off of the boy's chest to prevent any further curative benefits. Only Z's back felt better, the rest of him was still as damaged as ever. Of course, since his back had been the worst of his injuries, he was quite grateful that the horrid biting was gone. He then sat up, and stared at Mephisto, who had taken flight again. Their interaction progressed no further than a silent, awkward, "Thank you" nod from Z. Mephisto smiled, then flew off toward the forest, still holding Nabooru tucked within his arm.) (When he was certain Mephisto was gone, Z let out several pressured breaths, and placed his palm over his chest. He could feel his heartbeat steadying to its normal rhythm. He was alive, far from well, but alive nonetheless. Aside from a few arm-jerking motions, he did not move from his spot, he was too preoccupied trying to assess what had occurred. One thought, however, remained dominant among all others in mind. "Maria...", he said, his voice characterized by its fragility. "...I'm so stupid!", he yelled at himself, then smashed his fist into the grass.) Z: ...And Nabooru too. ("No... They're okay. They're gonna be okay...", he started telling himself, hoping that if he repeated it enough, he'd start to believe it. When he realized that that wouldn't work, he pressed his hands over his forehead, tilted his head down, and started shaking his head left and right. It was an effort to try and forget about both Maria and Nabooru, and while he didn't want to, he knew he needed to.) Z: Alvius' "Other"... Mephisto, you monster. (Saying those words was the first step. Heading to the Lost Woods was the next. Z stretched both of his arms behind him, pressed his palms against the grass, and rose to his feet. He stared at the steps leading to Kakariko, or what was left of it, and began questioning Mephisto's advice on Maria's status. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't at least try to get in there.", he voiced, and started up the steps again, however futile his efforts may be.) (With the entrance gate mere feet ahead, he could already see that getting in would be as Mephisto said, a task that would take days, if not longer. The ruins surrounding the gate stretched far over his height, at least twice as high. Z deduced that Mephisto had made it so by design, to hinder him from getting into the village, and ultimately the well. The only positive of this blockage was that it was the only one of its kind, beyond it, the wreckage was spread graciously across all of the former town. Getting through it would present less of a challenge than simply getting into Kakariko. Despite his knowledge of this, Z pressed his palm against the blockage, and shook his head. Another visible sign of his defeated temperament.) Z: I can only hope they get through this before it's too late... (Still with his hand over the stack of ruins, he clenched a fist, and pounded it lightly against the structure.) Z: ...Stay safe, Maria. (He turned from where he stood and returned to Hyrule Field.) Z: I've gotta focus on Nabooru for the time being. (He winded a sigh, then began walking the path toward the Kokiri Forest. As he crossed the bridge over Zora's River, just outside of Kakariko, he heard a voice yell...) "Foul beast! Release her!" Z: Huh? ("Is he still around?", he asked himself, moving toward the chatter. It was coming from the east, in the direction of New Hylia Town. From his encounter with Mephisto, Z's stride was limited to a brisk power walk. While he could run, it placed too much strain on his already beaten body, and he needed what was left of him for the Lost Woods. Not long after, he caught a view of the action. Though still a bit of a ways away, he remarked...) Z: Mephisto. And the Sages... (Mephisto and the three remaining Sages: Impa, Darunia, and Saria, were locked in combat, undoubtedly over Nabooru. A few others, most likely militiamen, were there as well, doing their part to help the fallen Desert Sage. Mephisto, however, as he had in Kakariko, remained very much in control of his fate. He was toying with them, treating his otherwise legendary opponents with irreverence for their status and fighting prowess.) Z: ...They have no idea what this guy is capable of. They don't even realize that he's not even trying... Dammit guys! He's only using one arm! (Z exclaimed from a distance, one far enough that allowed him to shout at the highest pitch of his voice yet still remain unnoticed. After this, he realized that his vocal cries did little to help the situation; he'd have to be content watching as his body would allow nothing more. Gazing out at the scene, he noticed that the Sages' accompaniment had begun launching crossbow bolts at Mephisto. But as he had with Z's arrows, Mephisto evaded them with ease, appearing quite gracefully as he did so. Then it happened.) BOOM! (A bolt slammed into the demon's chest and exploded. Upon impact, Mephisto fell back, but a quick flap of his wings kept him in the air, although weakened. He had also managed to keep a tight hold on Nabooru, but Z ignored this, and watched the proceeding action with a curious glint lacquered over his light-brown pupils. It had reminded him of the blow that sent Alvius hurling into the earth. Mephisto had been hit, and more importantly, hurt.) Z: Hmm...? (A rather conspicuous sense of wonder trapped within such a short, simple breath. And for good reason, it was the first time Z had ever seen Mephisto hurt. In Kakariko, none of his attacks had been effective. Squinting to capture a better look at Mephisto's face, Z could see that a grimace had unsettled his human-like facial structure. Even with this, Z knew better than to believe the Sages' had won, or were close to such a thing. "They may have found a weakness but that thing's not going down without more of a fight. He's been toying with everyone he's faced up to this point. ...I think they may have ignited a fire they can't put out... Son of a...", Z thought, and gnashed his teeth as he angrily hammered his fist at the air.) "Keep firing, boys!" "A few more should bring him down... Ha, ha..." (Darunia remarked, the confidence of his tone had contrasted with Z's worry. The militiamen continued firing bolts at Mephisto, having realized that they had wounded the creature. Their luck, however, seem to have vanished with the smoke from the earlier explosion. They were hitting him, as a series of miniature blasts were erupting wherever they landed but none had the impact that the chest blow had. To be honest, they had no impact. They might as well have been tossing buckets of water at Mephisto for he shrugged off the bolts and, though still hovering, made himself vertical again. Soon after, with renewed composure, Mephisto encased himself within his wings, providing a natural shield for his chest as well as Nabooru, and landed on the ground.) Z: ...I don't like this. (Z pressed forward, inching to get closer to the combat but hoped to also remain distant. From what he could see, the Sages had retreated behind the militiamen and were commanding them to fire away, and they did, though Mephisto remained unfazed. His wings still shielding both his chest and Nabooru, Mephisto glared at his opponents with stoic indifference despite having a bevy of bolts colliding with his frame. From behind the blanket of smoke, becoming more weighted with each blast, he spoke...) Mephisto: I won't mock your efforts, but I demand that you stop. It's pointless now. Darunia: Huh? Did he...? (Darunia looked at the other two Sages, both raised their eyebrows upon meeting his gaze.) Impa: Halt your fire! (She commanded, extending her open palm into the air. Within seconds, the final bolt exploded on Mephisto's body, and none followed. As the smoke pulled apart, a relatively unharmed Mephisto was revealed to them. Any militiamen who had begrudgingly stopped their fire, believing their effort to be effective quickly recanted their position seeing Mephisto's figure no different now than from their initial encounter.) Mephisto: Good. (Darunia, still shielded behind the militia, yelled out at him.) Darunia: Okay, we stopped like you asked, now give us Nabooru! (Mephisto shook his head "No", and responded...) Mephisto: I don't negotiate with cowards who hide behind their men. I firmly believe that a true leader leads from the front. From what I saw of your abilities, your skill isn't that much greater than the men before me. To be honest, I question why you three hold such authority... but that is another topic entirely. Anyway, if you want something, come to the front where I can see you. (Darunia's eyes rounded and lit up, a mark of his disbelief, and one quite fitting for the Sage of Fire. Saria patted his side, hoping it would calm him, but being called a "coward" was not something Darunia took lightly. Impa knew this, and rather than dwell on Darunia's anger, she made her way through the militia and stood face to face with Mephisto.) Mephisto: Typical. I expect the other two will follow suit. (They did. With Saria following, Darunia rushed out from the protection the men had provided, and now stood before the towering Mephisto, who sneered at his show of "courage." Still watching from afar, Z had been squinting his eyes to get a better view of the scene. When he saw the halted fire and the Sages' standing only feet away from Mephisto, he became both worried and confused.) Z: What's going on now...? (Mephisto looked down at the Sages.) Mephisto: ...No. Saria: Huh? "No", what? Impa: I think he's referring to our request. (She tilted her head and looked up at the demon.) Impa: Am I right? Mephisto: Yes. Saria: Then why did you...? Mephisto: Call you to the front? I already told you, I don't like cowards shouting from the back. (Mephisto glared at Darunia. Darunia had been attempting to keep his emotions in check, but was struggling miserably. He responded to Mephisto's jeer by only clenching both fists, but made no direct move. Seeing this, Mephisto smirked as he appreciated the intimidation.) Mephisto: ...But, there was also one other thing. Impa: What? Mephisto: I needed room to do this. (Everyone blurted "Huh?" in unison, but as they did so, the ground began to shake, and the patch of earth where the Sages had stood soon tore. Out from its depths came a group of arms who gripped those militiamen unfortunate enough to have stood in the back row, and dragged them into the chasm. By now everyone, including the Sages, had turned and witnessed the decimation of the entire back row. Before the others could take any preemptive action, the empty row cracked, and from its depths, the souls of the militiamen who had just been pulled in returned. As the other souls had, they launched their arms at the militiamen and pulled them under.) "...Everyone, spread out!" (One soldier cried out, believing it the only way to stay alive. Watching from afar, Z bore witness to Mephisto's horror as well, but wrestled with the thought that not even he could stop it. Even as the militiamen scattered, hoping to escape their comrades' fate, the earth continued to rip wherever they planted their feet, and a set of hands would subsequently appear to drag them to "Hell", in a figuratively literal sense. One group of men after another were yanked into the clefts created by Mephisto's "souls." The scene appeared almost like waves, waves of the earth, rising to overtake the militiamen until every last one was gone. Only the Sages remained to contest Mephisto, who had just asserted his power as a spectacle rivaled only by his work in Kakariko. He had not only eliminated the militiamen, but also any idea of his weakness. His possible weak point may have been showcased but his strength, as awesome as it was terrifying, left all standing with little prospect of hope.) (Surrounded by the gulfs where their personal militia met their deaths, the Sages stood tentatively, unsure of his next move. Without ever moving, Mephisto had made standing, the most basic of all humanoid behavior, a function to be feared. The Sages wanted to run, but after what they had just seen, it seemed an even worse option than standing. No action was safe. Mephisto appeared as collected as ever, shaking as his head at the Sages' inaction.) Mephisto: I suppose my point has been made. Nabooru stays with me. You're in no position to bargain. And from the look on your faces, it doesn't seem like you even care now. (The Sages kept their silence. Mephisto looked around at what "he" had caused, then placed his eyes on the Sages' once more.) Mephisto: Well... Since I did make the mess, I guess I'll "clean" it up. (Mephisto's left wing opened, revealing his free arm. He stretched the arm toward one area where the chasms were rather prominent and with the whisk of his hand, the gaps closed, much to the astonishment of the Sages. He continued doing this for every gap, and before long, all were sealed, like they had never torn. When the last of them closed, Mephisto extended his other wing, revealing Nabooru's still unconscious figure, and gave the Sages' his regards.) Mephisto: I did my part, now I'll be going. (He ascended into the sky, turned himself in the direction of the Kokiri Forest, and flew out of view. Z, who had watched everything unfold, was relieved to see that he had left the Sages, at least physically, unharmed. He felt the awe of the situation much less than they had as he had seen a similar brand of it in Kakariko, but the question of Mephisto's motives, and maybe even his sanity remained. "Why's he doing this...?", Z asked himself. "I get Nabooru. She's the bait, but this... Causing all of that destruction and just "cleaning it up", I don't understand what it is that he wants. Alvius said his "other" would take his place, but if not through conquest than what?", he continued pondering as he walked toward the Sages.) (Scenes of both the carnage that had just taken place and in Kakariko replayed in his head, he could hear the echoing screams for help and even felt their deaths. A harsh crawling of the skin gave him that sensation, it was all beginning to settle in, especially thoughts of Maria, and her unknown fate. The militiamen would have been great help in getting through the blockage of Kakariko's gates, which would have increased Maria's chances of survival, but that possibility was gone now. Z began to feel queasy, ironically, the way he always had after killing someone. It was as if he had taken all of those lives himself, that was how he felt. His stomach felt curdled and wrenched, from an outward appearance, he looked ready to vomit. But he didn't. He pressed forward, approaching the Sages one step at a time, despite the gut-wrenching thoughts swirling around in his head.) Edited by Bx, Jul 16 2010, 12:56:31 AM.
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| Bx | Jul 17 2010, 02:09:10 AM Post #12 |
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Notorious
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"...Z!?" "Z, is that you!?" (Saria's voice echoed with the wind, and Z waved to signal that it was him. Upon spotting him, Saria began running toward him as quickly as she could. Seeing her run placed a smile on Z's face as he continued walking toward them. For a brief moment, he felt nostalgic, remembering the days when Saria would comfort him after someone had angered him. Of all the Sages, she was the only one who had retained her youthfulness, undoubtedly due to her Kokiri heritage. Even during the most perilous of times, she exuded a calmness that served as a warm contrast to her more serious companions.) (A few short minutes later, the Sages caught up with Z. As they hadn't seen him in some time, they seemed overjoyed to find that he was well, for the most part. Saria hugged him, Impa smiled, and he and Darunia greeted each other with a handshake.) Saria: It's so good to see you. Z: I'm glad to see you guys, too. (Z smiled, then scanned over each of their faces, from Saria to Darunia, and noticed they all had similar expressions. They each wore smiles to veil the fear Mephisto's attack had instilled upon them. It wasn't that they weren't happy to see him, but Z felt that they seemed a bit too happy, especially after what had happened. Z raised his hand and slid it back through his hair, looking at the grass as he said...) Z: ...I saw what happened guys. (No one responded initially. With the silence, Z lifted his eyes from the ground, and surveyed their expressions once more. This time, they appeared a bit more authentic. Somber and uncertain, their gazes now looked unfocused, if not confused. Z let out a sigh with only his nostrils and then answered the silence.) Z: I guess you all heard about Kakariko... (Impa replied with something of a muffled grunt, but Z understood it all the same. Being a Sheikah, Kakariko's destruction affected her the most as it was her home village, and its restoration had been a project quite dear to her heart. All of that was gone now.) Z: ...Yeah. I'm sorry to say that whatever you may have heard is true, worse, in fact... Impa: Wha-What d-do you mean...? (She asked. The tone of her voice could only be described as panicked, and for Impa, who almost always remained levelheaded, it sounded so unfamiliar. It reminded Z of his earlier encounter with Nabooru.) Z: I'll just explain everything. (He did. He went over every major detail, from Nabooru's appearance at his doorstep to Mephisto curiously healing his back. As he retold the events, he was internally chastising himself for several of his decisions, particularly allowing Maria to come along, and his subsequent failure to protect her. "I'm an idiot... Even after what happened to Olivia, I still can't make the right choices... All I've got now is hope, and there's nothing worse than that.", he told himself, and he shook his head just light enough so that the Sages wouldn't notice and ask him about his thoughts.) Darunia: ...I'm sorry, Z. I mean, about...Maria. Saria: Don't talk like that, Darunia! There's no reason to think the worst... Impa: Yes. Especially after the worst has already happened... (Impa broke away from the others after her taciturn reply. Arms folded, and brow wrinkled by pensive thoughts, she headed toward Kakariko. Z and the other two Sages watched her as she traveled past without a word. She seemed consumed by the news regarding Kakariko, and for her own personal reasons, wanted some time to herself. None of them could blame her as they had all felt the same at some point or another. As Z turned to face Saria and Darunia, he felt the Goron's large palm atop his head.) Darunia: Listen, I'll do everything I can to get through that blockage. You've done so much for us and now I believe it's time we lend a hand. Saria: That's right, Z. Don't you worry, we'll get Maria out of that well. You've just gotta trust us and know that she'll be alright. Her, and anyone else trapped in that mess! (Z smiled. The conviction in their voices made their reassurance that much more believable. Even if their plans were idealistic, it was what he needed to hear. He had already given himself enough of the grim reality, a little high-spirited thought was a changed he welcomed.) Darunia: You just focus on getting Nabooru back safely. I don't know how you'll pull it off but you've beaten the odds before so I know that won't stop you. (Z grinned at Darunia's comment, though it wasn't entirely genuine. While Darunia's statement did possess a ring of truth, the opposite also held true. Z had also been on the losing end several times, particularly with those closest to him. Maria's fate seemed to echo from this angle, but he appreciated Darunia's encouragement nonetheless. After this, the Goron lifted his hand from Z's head, allowing him to look back at Impa, whose figure was quickly diminishing from sight.) Z: ...What about her? Saria: Kakariko was her home, Z. ...And now it's gone again. How do you think you'd feel? Darunia: Think of all those people. She may not have been the village leader officially but she certainly was in spirit. She was the one who spearheaded its restoration after all. She planned much of the town's residential and business development, and helped assimilate the former refugees back into normal, routine living. Saria: She put her all of her heart into that city. ...She always has, for that matter. It's not like its the first attack on Kakariko... (Hearing those words, Z was reminded of the day Maria's mother was captured by Alvius' forces. Another moment where he suffered a great loss. It brought him back to thoughts of Maria, which he tried to shut off with a response to Saria.) Z: ...Seems like Kakariko's a cursed village. Saria: Z... (She said with a hint of disapproval in her voice.) Darunia: Unfortunately, at this point, I can't argue with that, Z. I guess you could make the case for all of Hyrule as well. (Saria raised her eyebrows at Darunia's frankness, but Z simply performed a light nod of agreement, then looked back to see Impa. She had disappeared entirely, likely having reached the village already. Z turned to the other Sages again and said...) Z: We should probably head our separate ways now. I don't think she should be alone for too long. Saria: You're right. (Saria reached out and hugged Z tightly. While she held onto him, she looked up at his face and with a smile, said...) Saria: It really was great to see you again. After all of this is over, we've gotta start spending more time together. I know it can be a little difficult for you with everything you've gone through, but try and lighten up a bit. (Z returned the smile and replied...) Z: Thanks, Saria. And I'll try. (She released him, and Darunia slapped him on the back. Z turned toward him.) Darunia: Yeah. You be careful, okay? Z: I will. (Darunia inspected Z a bit more closely, and noticed one glaring omission from his equipment.) Darunia: Hey, where's your sword? (Z's eyes widened. He needed to come up with a lie. Telling the truth would only lead to more speculation, and that, he did not need at the moment.) Z: ...It's at home. When Nabooru met me at my door, she told me that Mephisto could fly. I figured I'd just need my bow and arrow. Boy was I wrong... Darunia: Okay. Well, I suggest you go and get it before heading into the forest. Saria: Yeah, Z. I don't know if you've been there lately, but it's not the same place it once was. Z: What do you mean? Saria: ...It just isn't. It's not the forest I grew up in anymore... Be careful, alright? (Z looked at her puzzled. He hadn't been in the Kokiri Forest in nearly two years, since his last encounter with Eagles. To learn that the place had changed, and presumably for the worst came as quite a surprise to him.) Z: Yeah, okay. I'll, uh, keep that in mind. Saria: Good. Alright then, Z, we'll see you later. And don't worry about Maria, we're getting in there today, no matter what. (Z smiled politely, but he had seen the blockage firsthand, it didn't seem possible for anyone, even the Sages, to get through that in a single day.) Z: Alright. You watch yourselves also, and make sure Impa's okay, got that? Darunia: Yeah, we will. Z: Alright then. Later, guys. Saria & Darunia: See ya, Z! (They waved each other off and traveled along their opposite paths. The Sages, heading for the ruins of Kakariko, and Z, on his way to the Kokiri Forest.) (Z had only been traveling around ten minutes or so when he stopped and looked back to see if the Sages were still in view. They weren't. He then nodded to himself, reflecting on the conversation he had had with them. They were doing their part and now he was to do his. He realized that it was now time to live up to his name, which still hadn't exactly been an honor for him.) (The Kokiri Forest was still several hours away, but Z kept forward, sweating more and more profusely as the sun's heat beamed on his skin. He would not allow the distance to deter him, but it didn't make it any less daunting. A little over halfway toward the forest's entrance, he slowed his pace until he decided to stop for rest. After wiping some of the sweat from his brow, he blew a breath of air, and looked to the sky. Dusk had already settled in with nightfall soon approaching. "At least it won't be so hot now...", he declared, hoping that the night air would lower the temperature and make the journey a bit more bearable.) Z: ...Guess I should eat something now. (Z's stomach had rumbled while he was standing, prompting him to reach for a few blueberries he had stored in a sack. Once he dug into the bag, however, he found that the berries had become jelly, most likely crushed during his encounter with Mephisto's souls.) Z: Damn it... (He pulled his hand from the bag and examined it. It was stained a purplish-blue color from the berry juice. Despite the annoyance, he licked what was on his hand as it was the only "food" he had.) Z: ...Better than nothing, I guess. ("Wait a sec...", he told himself, looking toward the northwest.) Z: I could probably go home and get a meal before heading to the forest. Not like a little detour would make that much of a difference... (Though he could not yet see his house, it wasn't far from where he stood. It would take around fifteen minutes or so to get there, but heading to the house wasn't as simple as it seemed. "Maria won't be there...", he said, sighing bitterly as the fact became more apparent.) Z: It just won't be the same... (He looked at the ground, and lowered his eyelids over his eyes. He envisioned himself back in the house, telling Maria that it was okay for her to come along. The memory ate away at his thoughts, but he couldn't stop it from replaying over and over again, even after reopening his eyes. Darunia had also advised him to go home and retrieve his sword, but that too, wasn't such an easy task, however simple. He had left it at home for a reason: the promise he had made to himself. After some internal debate, he went against the idea. "To go back on it now... No. That's...just not an option.", he answered himself, realizing that Olivia and his brother's memory meant more to him than defeating Mephisto.) Z: ...I'll find another way. (His intentions were honorable, no doubt, but history has shown that noble cause and foolishness are merely cousins often intertwined by equally dismal fates. But his mind was made up, changing it would bring him little satisfaction.) Z: I'll go back home when I know she's safe. (He expressed, then assured himself of his hunger, "I can find something to eat along the way." Holding to his conviction, he started down the path again, but planted his feet once more when the sound of hooves repeatedly crashing against the ground entered his ears.) Edited by Bx, Jul 14 2011, 11:05:19 PM.
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| Bx | Jul 20 2010, 11:36:08 PM Post #13 |
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Notorious
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(Darkness. Pitch black. An abyss entrenched underground. It would seem that any caught within it would instantly falter, but the well's latest inhabitant would likely have nothing of the sort. Several hours after Kakariko's fall, Maria lifted her eyes open, blinking in sporadic intervals, but found a view no different than if they had been closed. "Huh!? ...Wh-where am I!? Where's Z...?", she asked herself, then attempted to sit up before she felt a pain that could only be described as someone driving a knife across the back of her head. "Ahh!", she howled as grab at her head, then fell back.) (On her back, she kept her eyes open to allow them to adjust to the darkness. While doing that, she stretched her right arm out.) Maria: ...Ahh! (She yelled, then quickly jerked her arm back. Her hand had fallen on a clammy lifeless body, or what she had hoped was one. With the discovery, her breaths became more rapid, firing out in an almost uncontrollable manner. Though it appeared that she was hyperventilating, she was not, and within a few seconds their pace and frequency had slowed. Usually one to maintain levelheaded composure, Maria's instincts seemed to have assisted her in overcoming her fear. Being frightened, however, was not without its benefits as the adrenaline rush helped dull much of the sharpness she felt behind her head. This effect would only last so long, and she quickly realized that her opportunity had come. That being said, she still needed to figure out where she was at, and eventually, find a way out.) (Before attempting to stand, she raised her arm, albeit hesitantly, into the air to make sure that their was room for her to stand. She didn't need to cause her head any more pain. When she felt only air after waving her open palm a few times, she pressed down on the ground with both hands and erected herself slowly, placing much of the effort on her legs. Still shrouded in an uncompromising darkness, she kept her arms stretched forward to avoid stumbling into a wall as she walked. Her steps were stalker-like, cautiously slow, but necessarily so as she knew all too well the potential for traps. As she moved at her snail-like pace, she could sense other bodies on the surrounding ground, but did not stop to check them. If she could not see the bodies, stopping to inspect them would do her no good, and she kept forward until she reached a path with what appeared to be dim torchlight at its end.) Maria: Hmm? (She lipped, seeing the light ahead. For most the literal "light at the end of the tunnel" would seem to be a good omen, but Maria, for all her obvious femininity, was quite hardened and often averse to naivety. She crept down the path at her measured pace, looking to each side as the light ahead began illuminating her figure. "Finally, I can see again...", she told herself, releasing a relieved sigh while she examined her body for any markings or wounds. Aside from some soot pasted on the underside of her forearms, there were none. As she patted her hips, she did realize that one thing was missing, her purse.) Maria: ...I don't have my purse. (Her purse contained the ocarina, her most prized possession, along with some other valuables. Unsure where it could have gone or if someone had taken it, she looked back at the darkness from which she came.) Maria: If it's not back there, I don't see where else it could be. (Instead of walking back into the darkness, Maria turned around, and continued down the torchlit path. She stopped upon reaching the light source, a torch attached to the path's murky walls. Her plan was to use the torch to search for her purse, but she delayed, using the time to examine the area.) Maria: ...Man, it doesn't get a whole lot creepier than this... (From where she stood, there appeared to be only a single path leading deeper into the well. Although she still hadn't yet realized that she was in Kakariko's well, upon gazing at the enigmatic intricate patterns on the walls, she speculated that she was in an ancient temple of some sort. "Oh boy...", she expressed to herself, anticipating the danger ahead.) Maria: Just standing here won't do me much good either... (Her mind made up, she grabbed the torch's handle and pulled it from its place holder. She then turned around and headed down the path from which she had come. She moved more hurriedly than she originally had as the torch provided a light, and she already knew the path was safe.) (The torchlight allowed her to see what she had missed earlier and it was not long before she saw the deceased bodies that had frightened her, three to be exact. She gasped at the sight, not out of fear, but due to their condition. They were cooked, parts of their skin were crisped black while others had a boiled pink coloring. Goosebumps raised on Maria's skin and she began to breathe much more heavily, though not quite as erratically as earlier. She began to question why she hadn't ended up like them, asking herself, "...Wh-What...d-did this...to them...?") (She was so disturbed by the bodies that she hadn't noticed the area's distinct circular, vertical tube-like, structure that contrasted with the claustrophobic linear path of the previous location. To regain her composure, she left the area and rested against a wall, sliding onto her bottom as the scope of her plight became more apparent.) ("...I'm not so sure I can do this. Z's the fighter. I just wish there was a way I could speak to him to at least know that he's alright, and maybe get some advice from him for a change. But thinking about him won't help me.", she conversed with her thoughts. "He'd probably just say, "You've been through worse, Maria...", anyway. And what good would that do? I just have to be careful and stay focused to get through this one. A lot easier said than done, though.", she continued.) Maria: Either way, I can't just sit here or I'll starve to death if nothing kills me before then... Guess I really don't have a choice. (She shook her head from side to side a few times, then lifted herself up, and went back to the location with the bodies. She avoided looking at them as best she could as she searched for her purse. She found it pressed against the wall, and checked inside to see if all of her belongings were safe. They were. She smiled when she saw her ocarina, and slid her hand across its marble-like surface to make sure it hadn't been damaged. It wasn't. As she dug through the bag, she also placed her hand on the dagger that Z had given her just before they arrived in Kakariko. After pulling it out, she looked at it.) Maria: I'll definitely be needing this. Z came through after all. (She chuckled lightly until a somberness dampened her expression.) Maria: ...I just hope he's okay. Nabooru, too. (Placing the dagger on the ground for a moment, she latched the purse's handle across her shoulder and secured it under her arm. When she bent down to grab the dagger, she stopped herself, and squinted peculiarly at the wall.) Maria: Hmm? That's a little... (She raised her head as she gazed at her surroundings. She had finally noticed the circular design as well as the overly high "ceiling.") Maria: Odd. (She pressed her arm against the wall and felt its texture. The wall was stone, ancient stone no less, but it didn't feel quite right. It had an unusual quality that she could not put her finger on until she rubbed against it a few more times, then it came to her.) Maria: ...It's kind of warped. Is this... Am I in the well? (She looked around again, positioning the torch wherever she looked. After this, it became a certainty to her that she was at the bottom of the well, and she began to recollect much of what had happened.) Maria: Yeah... It makes sense too. The last thing I remember was being near the well with Nabooru and it also explains why these guys are burnt. That monster did it to them. And he must have also closed off the well and taken the ladder somehow. Bastard. (Her confidence grew as the situation became more and more lucid. Within seconds of her revelation, she lifted the dagger from the ground, and turned in the direction of the path. With torch in one hand and dagger in the other, she started down her original path again.) (As she began treading through the linear path again, Maria inhaled and released one final deep breath. When she felt her lungs return to normal, she started breathing lightly through her nose, hoping to avoid attracting any unwanted attention with the sound of her breath. To compliment this, she also practiced sliding her feet against the ground as she raised them to move as opposed to regular walking, again with the intent of not attracting attention.) ("Hope this works...", Maria smiled at the thought, at least as much as one could in her situation, then pressed forward. As she passed the place holder that once held the torch she now had, her already lazy pace slowed; she was entering new territory. The surroundings didn't ease her fears either as the unusual markings on the walls were growing more bizarre as the trail lengthened.) Maria: So creepy... (She remarked, looking at a design that appeared to display a man hanging by a noose with onlookers spectating. Just above it, there were strange letters that she did not recognize as well as an illustration of a skull with a dried burgundy substance etched into its eye sockets.) Maria: Blood... (She poked at the red substance with her dagger, checking to see if it actually was blood. She couldn't confirm it, however, as it was too dry to get on the tip of her blade. Nonetheless, fresh or not, it wasn't a good omen.) Maria: I guess the rumors about the bottom of the well are true... Just my luck. Oh well, no use stopping now... (She blew a noticeably loud sigh, then continued down the path. She did this for a while, maybe forty minutes or so, and without incident. Interestingly enough, the lack of "excitement" had allowed her to become comfortable with the area; she even yawned a few times while she traveled. The sleepiness was replaced with a heightened alertness when the path finally altered. The first indication of the change was the wetting of her feet.) Maria: Water? (She stopped and looked down at her feet now submerged in a pool of shallow water.) Maria: Uh-oh. (She stretched the torch forward, casting its light to illuminate what was ahead. A rather deep pool of water, one that would require swimming to cross. It wasn't the swim that alarmed her, but the fact that she would most likely have to leave her torch behind. The path that had just ended was entirely torchlit but from what she could see this part of the area was pitch black. The water even lacked sparkle, it looked quite black actually, more like a giant hole than a pool of water.) Maria: How deep is this thing? (She crept toward the pool and stood at the edge of the platform. Though hesitant, she dipped her foot into the water to gauge its depth. When she felt no surface, she quickly pulled her foot out of the pool.) Maria: Damn it. ("There goes my light...", she told herself, depressingly so. As she dipped the torch's flame in the water to put it out, she raised the wooden stick out of the pool, looked at it, and thought, "I can probably still use this, though. ...Yeah. Yeah, I think I will.") (The last torch attached to the path had illuminated much of where she had been standing, but as she prepared to head into the water, she gazed at the darkness both within it and ahead. "Swimming makes everything worse...", she remarked, inferring that the swim only enhanced the challenge the darkness provided. With a range of possibilities and outcomes, most of which were negative, swirling around in her head; she inhaled and dropped herself into the watery void.) (The little visibility she had on the surface was no longer present. It was comparable to when she had first woken up, it was as if she hadn't. Whether her eyes were shut or not made no difference, she was blind in either case, but now with the added disadvantage of swimming. Maria knew of the danger, but if she had learned anything from Z, let alone her own life, there was always a chance, even if slim, to succeed. Always.) (She proceeded forward through the water. Although her entire body was submerged, she remained close to its surface to allow for short breaths when needed. At the rate her heart was palpitating, she'd need many. The first few minutes of the swim were characterized only by the silence. In normal instances, silence is perceived as a blessing, something worth cherishing but underwater and in blind darkness to boot, it brought nothing more than heightened suspense. Her awareness for danger had never been sharper, but her preparedness was an entirely different story. Maria's role had never been as a fighter, and despite having a blade as well as a stick, she felt her technique would not serve her well. "Please, please just let me get out of this alive...", she pleaded, wading her arms through the water as she continued forward.) (Within fifteen minutes of her uneventful swim, she pushed her head above the water to catch her breath for a third time only to hear what she feared most. Movement.) Maria: ...It's happening... (Her eyes grew bug-like and blood began to course through her veins and into her heart, which had stopped beating for a second or so. While she couldn't yet see what was approaching, she could hear the slashing of waves and its vibrations against the water. Her thought process had reverted to childlike insecurity; she understood the threat, but was unsure how to react. The longer her "Fight or Flight" indecisiveness lingered, the more the former would become her only choice. Yet she rested in place, cemented in an ebony pool as she felt the first splash whip against her cheeks. Company had arrived.) Edited by Bx, Mar 6 2011, 12:56:49 PM.
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| Bx | Jul 24 2010, 11:52:12 PM Post #14 |
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Notorious
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(Z.)
Edited by Bx, Jul 14 2011, 11:07:20 PM.
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10:12 AM Jul 11