Legend of Zelda: The Fire Rose Ch. 15

Compassion, however, has a double-sided edge that wicked minds will manipulate to harm the ones they care for and coerce them to do their bidding.  A light shines through the deception...

Basement of the Broken Mansion.  Link lays on his back and opens his eyes.  Fi floats before him.  Link's eyes widen.

Link: (under his breath) Fi?  But how?

The Fairy Lantern's light shines on Fi and turns her into a Poe.  The Poe shrieks at the light and flies away.  Chloro floats to Link with the Fairy Lantern in her hand.

Chloro: Get enough beauty sleep?

Link: (stands up) What happened?  Where are we?

Chloro: The basement most likely.  Here. (hands Link the Fairy Lantern) You need this more than me.  I can hear the Poe's thoughts, so they won't sneak up on me.

Link: Um, thank you. (clips the Fairy Lantern on his belt) Did we fall straight through to the basement?

Chloro: Unlikely. (points up) There'd be a hole in the ceiling if we did.  I'm getting the idea that this place is haunted.  Safe bet, right?

Link: Hey, Chloro, how do Poes attack people?

Chloro: They say their lights make people see all sorts of things, loved ones, hated enemies, monsters galore, or all the above.  Don't let them get to you.

Link: I see.  For a second there, I thought I saw Fi.

Chloro: Is that so? ... I suppose Fi falls under the all the above category. (Link stares at the Fairy Lantern) Hey, are you there?  Anyone home?

Link: What?  Sorry.

Chloro: Well, there's only one door out of here.  Let's go, Eribelle's still somewhere here.

Link and Chloro step through the door and out of the basement.  They enter an armory.  Four Poes float around.  The Fairy Lantern's light shines in and scares the Poes off.  Three doors, one locked, rest at the opposite end of the armory. Chloro looks out the window.

Chloro: This is one crazy place.  That door led us to the second floor of the mansion.

Link: That's just perfect, as if the Poes weren't enough to try and drive me crazy.

Chloro: Well, we have two options before us.  Where do we go?

Link looks down and sees small footprints on the ground.  Link moves the Fairy Lantern back and forth.  The footprints disappear and reappear with the Fairy Lantern's light.

Link: Footprints, and they look like they lead to the left door.

Chloro: Good eye.  Maybe Eribelle's been here.  This way.

Link and Chloro walk by the locked door.  Fierce yelling comes from behind the door.  Link and Chloro steps back.  Link draws the Wild Flower Longsword.

Link: What is that?

Chloro: No idea.  My question, is there anything in there at all?

Link: You think the Poes are trying to trick us again?

Chloro: They'll have to do better than that to pull one over on me.  Let's keep going.

Link sheathes the Wild Flower Longsword and follows Chloro through the left door.  The locked door bangs, and more yells come from behind it.  Link and Chloro step into a ballroom.  Chloro floats over to the window.

Chloro: Now it's the third floor.  I'm pretty sure we didn't go up any stairs.

Link: What kind of room is this?

Chloro: It's a ballroom.  Rich people have lavish parties in these rooms, or so I'm told.

Link: (walks around) Well, Eribelle's footprints are all over this place.  They all gather around at the door on the other end of the room.

Chloro: Well, there's no point staying in this room.  Eribelle, if you can hear me, we're coming to save you.  Just don't worry, there's nothing to be scared of.

Link: You really like kids, don't you, Chloro?

Chloro: What gives you that ridiculous idea?

Link: Well, take a look at Burk, or Keelin, or Rope.  You've shown more concern for them and Eribelle than anyone else we've met.

Chloro: Is there a point to this?

Link: Not only do you like kids, but Eribelle is making an impression on you.  I betcha you won't mind her calling you her Big Sis.

Chloro: Heh.  Well, I do kind of think the idea is growing on me. (floats up to Link's face) If you tell her that, I will smack you.  Got it?

Link: (nods) Got it.

Chloro floats to and enters through the next door.  Link approaches the door when he hears music.  He turns around and sees Fi floating in the air.  Fi dances around the ballroom.

Link: Is that you?  ... Or are you just another illusion?

Fi's dancing moves closer and closer to Link.  Link holds up the Fairy Lantern to his head.  He blows into the lantern.  A small flame reaches out towards Fi.  Fi vanishes.  Link turns around, steps through the door, and enters a bedroom.

Chloro: There you are.  Do you have any idea how hard it is to move around without my Sword Vessel?  Keep up with me.

Link: I'm sorry, I just saw Fi again.

Chloro: Not another Poe again.

Link: No Poes this time.  She was just there, and then she was gone. (sits on the bed) I don't get this place at all.

Chloro: This is great, my partner is seeing his old partner from nothing.  Hmmmm... now that you mention it, I've been pondering something about Fi.

Link: You wanna know about why she's not with me?

Chloro: Hear me out, I know that you're too goody-two-shoes to have done anything to harm Fi by choice.  Something else is going on.  Believe me, I know what it's like to hide something bugging me from everyone else.

Link: Chloro-

Chloro: Let me finish.  So, here's what I've thought of: I'll tell you a secret about me, and you'll tell me something about Fi.  How's that?

Link: Um, I don't know.

Chloro: Here's a secret to everybody.  I say that I can hear the thoughts of other animals, but really, horses are the only animals whose thoughts I can hear.  So, I can only hear the thoughts of horses and monsters.

Link: Umm.... wait, I thought you said you hate liars?

Chloro: Ooh, right... well... rats, maybe I just wanted to, um, impress you.

Link: (stands up) Impress me?

Chloro: Okay, truth be told, you're a better wielder than I thought you'd be.  You remember how you and I are suppose to use each others manna to strengthen each other?  Your manna feels good.  Maybe I was hoping that my manna felt good to you.

Link: Wow, um, I guess I don't know what manna feels like.

Chloro: I guess not. ...Whoa, that was more than I wanted to tell you. (slaps her forehead) Well, it's out.  Now how about you tell me about Fi?  You owe me that much.

Link: Right.  Well... Oh, this isn't really anything, but there are creatures in Hyrule called Robots, and one Robot named "Scrapper" seemed to be smitten with Fi. (Chloro raises her eyebrow) You and Neekle reminded me of that.

Chloro: (chuckles) At least she knows what I'm going through.  Alright, we've killed too much time.  Eribelle is waiting for us.

Link and Chloro walk through a second door in the bedroom.  They enter the foyer again.  Link shines the Fairy Lantern on the floor.  He follows the footprints to the front door.

Link: Did she make it out?

Chloro: Darn this stupid mansion.  It made us go all over the place just to wind up at a locked door.

Link: If she's not here, and the footsteps lead to the front door, that means...

Link grabs the doorknob and turns it.  The door opens.  Link and Chloro walk through the front door and stand behind the Broken Mansion.  Eribelle stands with a strange, blonde-haired woman in a gown. Eribelle runs into Chloro's arms.

Eribelle: Big Sis!  Big Brother, I knew you'd find me.

Chloro: There you are.  Where were you?

Link: And who is that woman?

Eribelle: She helped out of the Broken Mansion. (the woman approaches them) See, Big Sis and Big Brother are here, just like I said.

Maiden: Greetings to you.  I am the Maiden of this Mansion.  I apologize for any inconvenience to you two.

Link: That's no problem, as long as Eribelle's safe.

Eribelle: The lady says she knows how to find my Daddy.  She'll help me if I go to her.

Link: Eribelle, you really shouldn't go with strangers.  You don't know who she is.

Chloro: And you don't have a father.  Do I need to explain it again?

Maiden: She speaks the truth.  The Poes have her father.  To save him, you both must come with me.

Eribelle: See? (Chloro sets her down) Big Sis?

Chloro: Listen, lady, I don't know if you're gullible or stupid, so listen up.  Eribelle is a Sword Spirit.  That means the Ancients forged her, then she fell to earth.  That's how every Sword Spirit is born.  Get it?

Eribelle: No, Daddy says he forged me in my house.  He was so happy to meet me, he said so himself.

Link: (kneels down) Um, Eribelle, can you describe your Daddy for me?

Eribelle: Yeah, his big and strong, and his beard tickles me.  He helps Sword Spirits when they're hurt.  Big Sis, he healed you that day Big Brother brought you home.  Don't you remember?

Chloro: (turns around) Eribelle, it sounds like Urnall is your father.

Eribelle: (nods) That's him.  People call him that, but I call him "Daddy."

Link: Chloro, I think he did it.  He really created a Sword Spirit.  He created Eribelle.

Maiden: Now do you believe her?  The very man she described was captured by the Poes.  Now, both of you, follow me.

Chloro: You're kidding me, right?  He really did create you, Eribelle?

Maiden: More than that.  If what I hear is correct, he saved your life, didn't he?  (Chloro turns to her) He is willing to give life to you and young Eribelle.  Surely, you must give just as much to him, correct? (Holds out her left hand) Please, come with me.

Chloro: Yeah, I know he saved me.... twice, actually, but... (Eribelle grabs her hand) Eribelle.

Link walks to the Maiden's left side and shines the Fairy Lantern at her.  The Maiden turns her head to him.

Maiden: You are a peculiar boy.  What are you doing?

Link: Just making sure what you're saying is true.  Everything about this Broken Mansion has been trying to fool us ever since we got in.  I need to know that you're not one of them.

Maiden: I assure you, you will not see anything wrong with me.

Eribelle: ...Hey, Big Sis, that lady lost her head.

Chloro: Eribelle, not now.

Eribelle: I mean it. (points to the left) See?

Chloro: (turns her head) What is it? (looks down) .... Link, her shadow!

Link leans to the side.  He sees the Maiden's shadow has no head.  Link then blows Fairy Fire at the Maiden. The Maiden shrieks as dark energy surges from her body. Link backs away from her.  A Poe appears behind Eribelle, grabs her, and carries her into the Broken Mansion.

Eribelle: NO!  Let me go!  Big SIS!

Link and Chloro: Eribelle!

Chloro jumps into her Sword Vessel.  Link takes out the Wild Flower Longsword and Block Shield.  The dark energy surge vanishes and reveals a headless, armored woman.  A scythe appears in her hands.

Link: Who or what are you?

Dullahan: I am Dullahan, the Ancient Faerie and loyal servant to my Mistress.  My orders are take that Sword Spirit with me.  You, boy, and that little gnat will be swallowed by the darkness and never return!  To me, Bone Steed.

The Bone Steed, a skeletal horse, gallops from the woods.  Dullahan mounts onto the Bone Steed and rides away from the Broken Mansion.  Epona runs from the woods and up to Link.

Chloro: (voice) Glad you could make it, girl.  Link, jump on Epona and chase after her.

Link: (nod) Right.

Link mounts on Epona and gives chase after Dullahan.  The two horses run side by side.  Dullahan swings her scythe.  Link blocks her scythe with his sword swings.

Dullahan: Bothersome boy.  I had them right in my grasps, but you had to intervene!

Link: I'm glad I did.  You're not getting your mitts on Eribelle.

Dullahan: That gnat is not suppose to be here.  She CANNOT be the one!

Link: The one?

Chloro: Link, just burn her already.  That lantern exposed her disguise, so do it again.

Link holds up the Fairy Lantern and blows Fairy Fire on Dullahan.  The flames engulf her and the Bone Steed.  They dash ahead.  Link equips the Magic Bow and fires three arrows at Dullahan.  Dullahan swings her scythe and the flames away.  Link and Epona catch up to Dullahan.

Dullahan: That's right, chase after us.  Keep following us into the darkness.

Link: I've jumped into the darkness before to save my friend, and I don't mind doing again to save Eribelle.

Chloro: That's noble of you, really, but Epona says that's what that bone-head wants.  Take care of him first.

Dullahan: Troublesome steed! (swings her scythe at Epona.  Link uses Shield Bash) Gah!  How dare you.

Link blows into the Fairy Lantern and at the Bone Steed.  The Bone Steed dashes forward covered in Fairy Fire.  Link equips the Magic Bow and fires two arrows at the Bone Steed.  Link's third arrow topples the Bone Steed behind the Broken Mansion.  Dullahan jumps off as the Bone Steed burns to ashes.  Link jumps off of Epona.  Epona dashes off.

Chloro: Thanks, girl.  You did great.

Link: What the?  We rode away from the Broken Mansion.  How did we get back?

Chloro: At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if that mansion sprouted legs and danced away.

Dullahan: My Mistress's plans will not be thwarted by the likes of you.  I will avenge her honor!

Link draws the Wild Flower Longsword.  He and Dullahan clash weapons with each other.  Dullahan's scythe swing pushes Link away.  Link blocks her next attack, then attacks with Helm Splitter.  Dullahan laughs.

Link: Rats.  I guess she needs a head in order for the Helm Splitter to work.

Chloro: Quit wasting time.  Fairy Fire, remember?

Link: Of course. (blows into the Fairy Lantern.  Dullahan jumps aside) Darn it, hold still.

Dullahan: (dodging the Fairy Fire) I will not allow your accursed flames to touch me again.  I will extinguish that flame, then you, and then that gnat.

Chloro: I'm getting sick of her calling Eribelle a gnat, but she's right about one thing.  If the Fairy Fire can't touch her, then we're in trouble.

Link: I know.  The Fairy Fire can't touch her anymore. (holds up the Wild Flower Longsword) But you can!

Link blows into the Fairy Lantern.  The Fairy Fire surrounds the Longsword's blade.  Dullahan shudders.

Chloro: Wow.  Link, if only you could feel this in the Astral Realm.  It's so comforting.

Link: It won't be for that witch for long.  Dullahan, release Eribelle now, or we will destroy you.

Dullahan: NEVER!

Dullahan swings her scythe at Link.  Link swings his sword at her.  Dullahan catches on fire.  Link attacks her with three sword swings.  Dullahan then jumps away and swings the flames away from her.  She and Link clash weapons.  The doors to the Broken Mansion opens.  Eribelle stabs at the Poe and defeats it.

Eribelle: Meanie-pants. ...Oh?  Wow!  Go, Big Sis!  Go, Big Brother!

Dullahan holds her scythe up and swings downward.  Link rolls around her and attacks with the Back Slice.  Dullahan falls to her knees.  Link attacks Dullahan as the Fairy Fire engulfs her.  He then attacks with a Vertical Sword Spin.  Dullahan's scythe flies up into the air.

Dullahan: AAAAAAH!  NO!  (floats into the air) NO, this cannot be!  How could I lose when my Mistress is so close?

Chloro: (jumps out of her Sword Vessel) Tell your Mistress she's never gonna get her way, not anymore.

Dullahan: My Mistress... I HAVE FAILED YOU!

The Fairy Fire dies down.  Dullahan's body turns into black petals, and the wind blows them away.  Eribelle claps her hands.

Eribelle: Yay!  That mean, no-head lady is gone.  Big Sis, Big Brother, you're amazing.

Link: Eribelle, you made it out.

Eribelle: (nods) Big Sis, you were right, my Sword Vessel is special. (holds up her Rapier.  It shines a white flame) It's so bright and pretty.  Those mean ghosts never stood a chance.

Chloro: How did you make that flame?

Eribelle: (shrugs her shoulder) Some other lady told me not to, but I did anyway because you taught me not to listen to strangers.

Link: Hey, Chloro, that monster said that Eribelle couldn't be the one.  Maybe...

Above them, Dullahan's scythe spins around.  It then drops down towards Eribelle.  Eribelle looks up, her eyes widening, and steps back.  Urnall bursts through the doors and grabs Eribelle.  He dives forward and dodges the scythe as it plants itself into the ground.  Link and Chloro run up to Urnall and Eribelle.

Chloro: Eribelle!

Link: Urnall, is that you?

Urnall: (sits up with Eribelle in his arms) I've been through worse.  Eribelle?  Eribelle, speak to me.

Eribelle: Daddy! (hugs Urnall) Daddy, you're okay.

Urnall: Eribelle. (hugs her) Eribelle, I'm so glad you're safe.  What are you doing here?  I told you to stay home.

Eribelle: I know, but you were in trouble.  Luckily, Big Sis and Big Brother were here to help save you.

Link: Urnall, thank goodness you're okay.  Where were you?

Urnall: I went investigating when those Poes got the jump on me.  They locked me in the armory.  I kept yelling and banging at the door until I broke out.

Link: (aside to Chloro) So, that noise we heard before-

Chloro: (aside to Link) Yeah, don't bring that up.  Trust me.

A tree sprouts behind Link and Chloro.  A pedestal appears in front of the tree as stones gather in a circle around the pedestal in the center and the tree near its edge.  Urnall stands up with Eribelle in his arm.

Eribelle: Daddy, that other lady told me to stay away from there.  I think I need to go there.  I have something to do.

Urnall: Eribelle...

Link: She is the one chosen to be the Blade of the White Rose.  She has to strengthen the seal on Devour.

Urnall: So, that's how I did it and why they want Eribelle.  Tell me, did I... Did I ask for too much?

Chloro: Urnall, what are you talking about?

L‌ink: Chloro, I think I know.  We found your journal, Urnall, and we read that letter Lydia left.

Urnall: I wanted you two to find out in case something were to happen.  I wanted both of you to keep Eribelle as far away from this place as possible.

Chloro: You did create Eribelle, didn't you?

Eribelle: That's what I told you, Big Sis.

Urnall: For whatever reason, Lydia and I could not have children of our own.  I then decided to create my own Sword Spirit to be the child we could care for.  Lydia would be so happy.

Link: But you did it, right?  Eribelle is proof of it.

Urnall: Yes, but I'm not sure if the Ancients answered my prayers or pulled some divine prank on me.  The day she was born, I kept hearing things in my sleep, that Eribelle has a destiny to fulfill, and that I could not be there for her.

Chloro: You mean when she enters the Pedestal Garden, she can't leave?

Urnall: As I understand it.  It's just not fair.  I finally have the child I always wanted, and she has to be taken away from me.  I just want Eribelle to stay with me. (holds Eribelle tighter)  Maybe Vance was right, this is the price I pay for asking too much of the Ancients.

Link: (turns to Chloro) What do we do?

Chloro: How should I know?  It's just stupid to make them do this after everything Urnall's done for all of us.

Eribelle: Daddy, I have a big girl thing to do, right?  If I do it, will you still be my Daddy?

Urnall: Eribelle, what a silly question to ask.  Of course I will.  No matter what you do or what you want in life, I'll always be your father.  Nothing can change that, I promise you that.

Eribelle: Daddy, I don't want you or Big Sis or Big Brother to get hurt anymore.  I'll protect all of you.  They'll never harm you while I'm here.

Urnall: This is all some sort of cruel joke, but if this is what you want, then who am I to say no? (hugs Eribelle) Your mother would be proud of you.

Eribelle: I love you, Daddy.

Urnall: I love you, too, Eribelle.

Eribelle jumps from Urnall's arms and into Link's arms and hugs him.  She then jumps into Chloro's arms and hugs her.

Eribelle: Big Sis, thanks for playing with me and Big Brother.  It was the most fun I ever had.

Chloro: (hugs Eribelle) Go on, you little Wood Sprite.  Do it before I regret it.

A tree branch reaches down.  Eribelle jumps onto the branch.  The tree branch tosses her up and down twice as she giggles.  During the third toss, Eribelle transforms into her rapier and thrusts herself into the Garden Pedestal. A bright light shines as the Stone Larkspurs sprout from the ground.  Link, Chloro, and Urnall approach the Stone Larkspurs.

Urnall: These flowers... Santor told me the Desert Lily grows from his power.

Chloro: Yeah, the power of his Fire Rose, and the Stone Larkspur is just like that. (her hand passes through the Stone Larkspur) Just like that and the Frost Tulip.

Urnall: You mean they are other flowers?

Link: You haven't seen anything yet. (picks a Stone Larkspur and presents it to Chloro) Chloro, this is for you.

Chloro: Thanks. (grabs hold of the Stone Larkspur) Okay, Link, just like before.

Link holds up the Wild Flower Longsword.  The Stone Larkspur turns into several stones and enters Chloro's body.  Chloro glows green, then jumps straight into her Sword Vessel.  The Wild Flower Longsword glows green, and the gem on its pommel turns from blue to green.  Link swings the sword around, then sheathes it.

Urnall: Eribelle, I promise, I'll find a way to see you again.

Link: C'mon, Urnall. (picks a second Stone Larkspur) We'll need to head out.

The second Stone Larkspur turns into several stones.  The stones spin around Link, Chloro, and Urnall and transports them away.

Eribelle: (voice) Big Sis, Big Brother, that other lady that spoke to me sounded sad.  Can you make sure she's okay?

Late the next morning, Link wakes up from Urnall's bed.  He stretches and walks outside.  Urnall tightens the saddle on Epona.  Chloro watches him.

Urnall: You're all set.  You say one more Pedestal Garden, and Devour will be trapped for good.

Chloro: That's right.  Say, Urnall... I don't think I ever really thanked you for saving my life... you know, twice, so... Thank you.  I'm glad you came to my rescue.

Urnall: I'm a blacksmith, helping Sword Spirits is what I do.

Link: (yawns) Good morning, Chloro.  Good morning, Urnall.

Chloro: There you are.  You and sleeping.... well, let's get searching.  I can't sense that last flower from here.

Link: Okay, okay. (yawns) Let's get going then. (Urnall hands him the Fairy Lantern) Urnall, doesn't this belong to you?

Urnall: I thought I could use it to forge a Sword Spirit, but I don't need it anymore.  More evil monsters will most likely come your way, so you'll need it.

Link: Thanks, Urnall.

Chloro: I'll watch over this guy.  Trust me, it's a full-time job.

Link rolls his eyes and mounts onto Epona.  Burk walks up to Urnall from behind.  Urnall looks down.

Burk: Mr. Urnall, you're back.  Where's Eribelle?  I was hoping she and I could play together.

Urnall: She has something important to do.  Don't worry, she'll be back soon. (chuckles) She will be back.

Burk: Mr. Urnall, what's so funny?

Urnall: You wanna know? (Chloro jumps into her Sword Vessel) I have two wonderful daughters, and I couldn't be more proud of them.

Link and Chloro ride out of Korfella Village on Epona.  Urnall and Burk wave good-bye to them.  Link and Chloro embark in Ranveya in search of the Pedestal Garden and the final flower needed to stop Devour and strengthen Chloro one more time.

To be continued...