Legend of Zelda: The Fire Rose Ch. 6

Though the challenges are great, and though the enemy outnumber our heroes with its henchmen, they press forward.  Without a clue as to their intentions, they must prepare for whatever may come their way....

Link rides Epona towards the west into the western region of Barlaan.  Epona stops at the top of a small cliff that overlooks an enormous ocean.  Link dismounts off of Epona and stares at the sheer size of the ocean.

Link: Look at all this water!  There's so much of it!

Chloro: (jumps out of the sword) I take it you've never seen an ocean before.  Simple things please simple minds I guess.

Link: It's amazing!  The only body of water I've seen so big is a lake, but that lake pales in comparison.  It's as big as the sky!

Chloro: Oh, if you think that's exciting, then get this; The ocean is probably as deep as the sky is high.

Link: Wow.... (hears a scream)

Chloro: It's not that exciting.  You don't have to scream about it.

Link: That wasn't me.

Link and Chloro look down to see two fish people at the base of the cliff, one male and one female.  There, a red gelatinous, tube-like creature has them cornered.

Link: (draws his sword and shield) We have to help them.

Chloro: What is it with you and helping people?  Is it your hobby or something?

Link: (jumps down. Chloro follows after inside the sword) Hold on, you two, I'll handle this monster.

??? (male): Be careful, land-dweller, that monster-

Link: It's fine, get yourselves to safety.  Alright, monster, your attack on these people is over. (charges for the monster) Haaa...

Chloro: You idiot, stay away from that thing!

Chloro jumps out of the sword just as the tube creature swallows Link whole, taking Chloro's upper-body with it.  Chloro kicks her legs trying to pull Link out.  She succeeds, with Link landing on top of her before pushing him off.

Chloro: (punches Link) Don't you EVER make me pull you out of a Like-Like again!  Do you have any idea how you freaked me out?!

Link: Sorry, I didn't know that think is carnivorous. (the Like-Like begins leaving)  Where's it going?

??? (Female): Land-dweller, you saved us, but I'm afraid that the Like-Like leaves with a full stomach.

Link: What do you mean? (looks at his left arm) My shield! (stands up and looks around) Hey, come back!  Gimme my Hylian Shield!  Do you have any idea what I went through to get that?! ... (droops his head in defeat) Darn it.

??? (Female): Do not dispair, Land-dweller.  On behalf of all Zora kind, we thank you for your sacrifice.

Link: Zora?  You two are Zoras? (the two Zoras nod) Wow... fish people.... I've never seen any like you before.

Mardos: I am Prince Mardos, and this is my sister, Luriel.  We are the children of King Jubbis of Zora people.

Luriel: Father is right about one thing, Land-dwellers are bull-headed, charging at a Like-Like as you did.

Chloro: Yeah, this one makes it into a habit.

Link: (rolls his eyes) Your highnesses, do you think you can help me get my shield back?

Mardos: I'm afraid not.  Like-likes are dangrous for young Zoras like us.  They have been acting strangely though.  They live in dark caves, but they've been attacking our home, Zora's Domain.

Luriel: Our father is tasked to keep them away from the Coral Castle.  Our very lives depend on the coral that grows there.

Link: Coral Castle?  I don't mean to be rude, but may we see the Coral Castle?  It is very important that we meet someone there.

Mardos: Um... we can take you to father so you may ask him, but he is very persistant on keeping land-dwellers out.

Link: Thank you.  We can talk to him at least.  Maybe he'll let us in.

Chloro: He better.  I'm not letting him stand in my way of the Fire Rose.

Luriel: Our father has told us stories about that flower.  Does it exist?

Chloro: It does, and my partner here was dumb enough to let it slip through his fingers.

Link: First, you say I stole it from you, now you say it's my fault it's gone?

Chloro: I'm glad you agree with me.

Link: I never said that.

Luriel: (giggles) Father was right, land-dwellers are funny.

Mardos: We better be going.  Follow us.  Father is at the shore speaking to the land-dwellers' ruler.

Link: Oh, okay.  Let's go. (looks back up the cliff and sees Epona) Hey, wait, what about Epona?

Chloro: She'll be fine.  I can call on here whenever we need her.  Now let's go!

Mardos and Luriel lead Link and Chloro alone the shoreline.  They walk up to Zora Guards and guards from Ranveya Castle lined up parallel from each other.  Nordis and the Zora children's father, a tall and strong-looking Zora, King Jubbis, notice Link and Chloro.  Nordis walks up to them without skipping a beat.

Nordis: Link!  We are well met once again. (shakes his hand) You are well, aren't you?  Have you found your way back home?  How is your sword doing?

Link: You highness, please, one thing at a time.

Nordis: Yes, I apologize.  I'm excited that you've decided to come.  King Jubbis, if I may, this is the man I was telling you about, the one from another world.  His name is Link.

Jubbis: (walks up to Link) This land-dweller is from another world, you say? (looks down on him) I don't believe it, but to be honest, I do not care.  Take your leave.

Link: I don't mean to be rude, but I have something to ask of you.

Jubbis: I said, "Take your leave."  I don't have time to talk to you.

Nordis: We are in the middle of discussing a treaty between our kingdoms.  I only ask for our fishermen to be able to catch fish for Ranveya.

Jubbis: Tell him we are far from understanding each other.  I will not allow land-dweller to take our fish.

Mardos: Father, please listen to what he has to say.

Luriel: That's right, he saved us from a Like-Like that attacked us.

Jubbis: I beg your pardon?  Land Prince, give me a moment to speak to my children.

Nordis: But of course. (Jubbis steps away with his children) Link, judging by the sword on your back, is young Chloro here with you?

Chloro: Um, I'm here, but how do you know my name?

Nordis: Urnall and I do exchange letters to each other.  And I've seen you admire my garden every day.

Chloro: You know about that?  But I'm so careful making sure I'm not seen.

Nordis: Think nothing of it.  What is the point of a garden if people do not come to see the flowers?  I let you come so you can admire them.

Chloro: You knew about it and never told me? (scowls) I don't like liars.

Nordis: I can't seem to make anyone smile today, not even King Jubbis.

Link: What exactly are you discussing with him?

Nordis: You see, Link, Jubbis protects everything in the ocean, even the fish.  They chase away fishermen from catching them, and he claims that they take too many.  I won't deny that claim.  I only wish to reach an agreement so that everyone is happy.  Jubbis is more stubborn than a mule.

Link: I can only imagine.

King Jubbis returns with Mardos to his left and Luriel to his right.  He approaches Link and stares at him again.  Link steps back, feeling awkward.

Jubbis: My children tell me you saved them from a Like-Like that attacked them, but know that I am not one that is easily convinced.  How do I know that you did not send the creature on them?

Link: What?!  I would never do that.

Chloro: He's right.  He's more about saving people than harming them, and that gets him in trouble.

Jubbis: I don't trust the words of land-dwellers like you.  There is only one land-dweller I do trust, and I will have him assess your story.

Link: I assure you, it's all true, and I'm sure your friend will agree.

Nordis: Oh, Link, about that, there's something you should know about him...

Link: What is it?

Croth: Didn't expect to see you here, Rookie.

Link: Guh?! (turns around) Oh, no, not what's-his-face again.

Croth: You haven't learned my name yet?  You are ruder than I thought.

Jubbis: Just in time, Croth.  This one claims he fought off a Like-Like to save my children, and I want you to see if he's telling the truth.

Croth: I'm on it, Jubby. (walks around Link) Hmmm...

Link: So, how are you and King Jubbis friends?

Croth: I was born on this beach around the time he was just a tadpole.  He and I use to get into games on the beach.  You know, sand castle building, who can make the bigger slash, those kinds of things.  (stands behind Link) Jubby, he's telling the truth.

Luriel: You see, father, I told you he saved us.

Jubbis: How are certain of this, Croth?

Croth: When the Rookie and I dueled each other the other day, he had a shield that blocked my attacks.  He must have fought a Like-Like.  Since his shield is gone, I'm guessing the Rookie was stupid enough to get his shield eaten.

Jubbis: Is that so? (laughs heavily) Such a fool-hardy land-dweller.

Chloro: Hey, both of you, knock it off.  I'm the only one that gets to laugh at how stupid he is.

Link: Gee, thanks for sticking up for me.

Croth: Hey, I know you, that Sword Spirit that keeps sneaking into Prince Nordis's garden.

Chloro: Yeah, that's me.

Croth: What are you doing with the Rookie?  Is he your wielder?  I thought you never wanted a wielder.  Didn't you say that they weren't worth your time a while back?

Chloro: It's not like that.  If you must know, I need him for the Fire Rose.

Croth: Still chasing legends?  That flower is nothing but a fairy tale.

Chloro: The Fire Rose is real, and I'll prove it to all of you.

Croth: Well, both of you seem perfect for each other.  You weaklings are no match for me, Ranveya's strongest swordsman.

Chloro: Who are you calling weak?!

Croth: You've never beat me in a duel before, and that Rookie only tied with me before.  Between the both of you, you don't even have one win under your belts.

Chloro: You think you're that stong, huh?  Hey, Link, we're going to teach this guy some manners, and don't try to weasle out of this.

Link: Wait, hold on.  Chloro, don't we have something we need to ask King Jubbis?

Chloro: We can ask him after we make him fall flat on his butt.

Nordis: Sire, should we stop them?

Jubbis: Why?  This shall be amusing.  Let us watch.

Croth: Then the same rules apply like before.  First one to disarm the other wins.  Any objections?

Link: (sighs) We're really doing this, aren't we?  Fine, I owe you for breaking my sword and for what you said about us.

Chloro: Now that's what I'm talking about.  You're on!

Croth: Great.  As soon as Neekle gets here, the two of you are going get your butts handed to you.

Chloro: Oh, yeah, well... Oh, crud.  I forgot.  Neekle's here too.

Link: Chloro, do you have something against Neekle?

Chloro: You can say that. (Neekle appears and takes Chloro's hands) Huh?

Neekle: Oh, my darling Chloro, to see your smiling face is a privilage in itself.  Your beauty makes even the Ancients green with envy.

Link: What the...

Neekle: It is only fate that has brought us together again.  Let the two of us enjoy the sunset over the ocean, that is all I ask.  Dear Chloro, what is your answer?

Chloro: Like every other time you've asked me. (pulls her hands away) NO!

Neekle: Shot down again.  Ah, but there's always tomorrow.

Croth: What took you so long?  We're dueling Chloro and the Rookie now.

Neekle: Oh, a duel.  I do enjoy a good duel.  I'm sorry for the delay.  I was looking at the ocean again, just seeing if something was there.

Croth: Yeah, yeah.  C'mon, already.

Neekle: Very well then. (transforms into the long sword into Croth's hands) My dear Chloro, I'm sorry if I hurt you in our duel.  It pains me to fight a lovely flower like yourself.

Chloro: Funny.  I'll feel nothing but joy fighting you. (jumps into the Wild Flower Sword) You ready for this?

Link: I guess so. (draws the Wild Flower Sword) I don't have my shield, and Croth says you've never beaten them.

Chloro: I know that.  They only fight me when Neekle wants to be around me.  I've been waiting to shut them up for some time now.  And you said you wanted to make them pay for breaking that sword of yours?

Link: I did say that.  Alright, Croth, Neekle, we're ready whenever you are.

Croth: I'm gonna show you why I'm the best and you're the rookie.

Link and Croth stare each other down for a moment, then they charge at each other and clash swords together.  Their duel commences as Prince Nordis, King Jubbis, Mardos, and Luriel watch.

Mardos: Go, Croth!  Go, Neekle!  Show them your strength!

Luriel: Link, Chloro, don't give up!

Jubbis: Say what you want about land-dwellers, they are entertaining.

Link: (blocks Croth and Neekle's attacks) Gah!  They're stronger than I remember.

Croth: I was going easy on you before, but I'm not making that mistake again.  Neekle, don't let up.

Neekle: (voice) I'll do you proud.

Link: Chloro, are you doing fine in there?

Chloro: (voice) I'm good, just keep fighting Croth.

Link: What about Neekle? (jumps away from Croth's attack) Whoa!

Chloro: I'm taking care of him in the Astral Realm.

Link: Astral Realm? (blocks another attack) Yikes!

Chloro: It's a place where Sword Spirits clash when wielders duel each other.  My power is suppose to come from you, so get with it and fight.

Link: Okay, I think I get it. (jumps at Croth and attacks) Tuuaaahh!

Croth: Oh, no ya don't! (blocks the attack.  Each of them push towards each other) That all you got, Rookie?  C'mon, give it up already.  It'll be easy on the both of you.

Link: Never!  I'm not giving up to the likes of you.

Croth: You two are nothing to me and Neekle.  It's time you learn your place.

Link: You know... you kind of remind me of someone back home... he's a friend of mine now.  He was just as pig-headed as you... with better-smelling breath.

Croth: Grrr!  You rude-little.... I'm gonna destroy you!

Link and Croth continue pushing each other towards each other.  Meanwhile, inside the Astral Realm, Chloro and Neekle exchange sword swings themselves in an endless beach surrounded by mist.  Chloro's sword swings are wild and eratic while Neekle, wielding a smaller versioin of his sword vessel, keeps stepping to dodge her attacks.

Chloro: Hold still, darn you!  I'm trying to cut you up!

Neekle: Come now, Chloro, this battle is ridiculous.  My heart won't allow me to harm you, but if Croth wants me to, I'll be forced to incapacitate you.

Chloro: I'm not letting that happen, not now.  I'm so close the Fire Rose, I can smell it.  I'm going to reforge myself with it, and you won't stop me!  I will be the world's strongest sword!

Neekle: A wonderful dream for a wonderful spirit.  My heart is moved. (deflects Chloro's sword) I wish to tell you my dream as well.

Chloro: Gah! (regains her balance) Stuff it.

Neekle: You remember where you were born, don't you?

Chloro: Yeah, the eastern forest, what of it?

Neekle: Croth and I met at this very shore, and he is convinced that I was born here.  But somewhere deep in my heart, I know that my place of origin is elsewhere.  I don't remember where though.

Chloro: And why should I care?

Neekle: Somewhere out in the Barlaan Sea is the answer I seek, and I can't think of anyone other than you to be at my side when I find out the truth.

Chloro: I don't care! (Neekle moves to the offensive) Do it with anyone else, even that monkey you call a wielder, but leave me out of this.  I'm finding the Fire Rose for myself, and that's that!

Neekle: My dear Chloro, this is more than just a matter of pride.  When Croth and I win this, I will make you see me a new light.  Resisting me is futile.

Hearing Neekle's proclamation, she begins to see several eyes behind him.  She panics for a moment, then summons a sword twice her size and weight.  She grabs this sword's long hilt and swings it horizontally with all her might.

Chloro: STAY AWAY FROM ME!!!

Neekle holds his blade to block, but Chloro's bigger sword breaks his into two.  The force of the swing sends Neekle flying into the mist where he disappears.  Back on the shore, Link pushes Croth away, then swings his sword upward.  Croth's sword is knocked out of his hands.  Croth lands on his back as Neekle hits the sand.  He returns to his human form with his head stuck in the sand.

Link: Chloro... we did it.  We beat them.

Croth: Th-th-th-this is impossible!  How did a Rookie like you beat me?!

Neekle: (pulls his head of the sand and sits up) Now that is a flower with some deadly thorns. (Chloro jumps from the Wild Flower Sword and approaches him) Oh, Chloro.

Chloro: Don't you ever talk to me like that again. (gently throws flower petals in his face and turns away)

Croth: Neekle...

Neekle: (sweat drops form his brow) I must have rubbed her the wrong way.  My bad.

Link: Croth, let's just put this behind us already.  You and I don't have to be enemies. (holds out his hand) How about it?  Can I call you my friend?

Croth: (stands up on his own) Next time, Rookie.

Link: (sighs, then turns around) King Jubbis, I-

Jubbis: (bursts out laughing) You land-dwellers and your trivial problems make me laugh.  It was just thing I needed to lift my spirits.

Link: Well, I'm glad to be of help. (Chloro clears her throat) Oh, right, we're glad to be of help.

Mardos: You are the real deal to beat Croth and Neekle.  Link, you and Chloro should ask our father now.

Jubbis: Ask me what, Mardos?

Luriel: Father, Link and Chloro wish to see the Coral Castle.  They say it's important.

Jubbis: They wish to visit the most sacred palace that we Zora have been guarding for generations?  For what reason could they possible want?

Link: Your majesty, Chloro and I have been sent by the two guardians of the Mordel Forest and Temalo Mountains to see the guardian in that castle, the Wind Golem.

Jubbis: Wind Golem?  There is no such creature in the Coral Castle.  We know this because we've guarded the Castle from all invaders, land or sea.  There is no way I will let you lay a hand on our precious coral.

Chloro: But the Wind Golem is real.  We've already met the ones of Earth and Ice, so this one is real too.

Luriel: Father, can't you do something?  Haven't they proven their strength?

Jubbis: Out of the question.  Do not speak for these land-dwellers, Luriel.

Luriel: Brother, do something!

Mardos: I don't know if there is anything I can do.

Jubbis: I grow weary of all this. (two Zora guards approach him in a hurry) You two, remove them from my sight.

Zora Guard 1: Sire, we have problem.  It's the Like-Likes, they've infultrated the Coral Castle!

Jubbis: What?!  How is that possible?  The gems that protect that castle shouldn't have let them in.

Zora Guard 2: I don't know, but if they are left alone, they'll eat all of the coral.  There will be none for food or shelter.

Nordis: Your majesty, it is not my place to speak, but I will lend you Link and Chloro's strength to help you rid your home of these monster.

Jubbis: Absolutely not.  Like-Likes are nothing to me and my warriors.

Chloro: Hey, since when do we take orders from you?

Link: Chloro, let's go with what Nordis is saying.  We gotta go in there anyway. (the ocean and shore shakes violently) Now what's going on?

Jubbis: No way that could of been the Like-Likes.

Zora Guard 1: Our scouts came back with dire news before we spotted the Like-Likes.  They are certain that they have seen the Knaughtilus.

Jubbis: The Knaughtilus?  But how?  If that monster gets to the castle, our domain is lost.

Nordis: Excuse me, but what is the Knaughtilus?

Mardos: The Zoras have passed down the legend of an ancient monster that terrorized our domain centuries ago.  They say they can eat a Zora with one gulp.

Luriel: It was soundly defeated by our ancestors after a terrible battle.  Many Zoras lost their lives to the monster.

Link: King Jubbis, take Prince Nordis's offer.  If this monster is as strong as they say it is, you can't do it all alone.

Croth: I hate to admit, but the Rookie's right.  Jubby, we gotta stop this thing.

King Jubbis walks to the shoreline with the two guards that came to him.  Three large fish jump from the water as the three Zoras hold out their hands.  Each fish, with a diamond emblem, transform into blades, and each Zora grabs one.  The other Zora guards begin doing the same.

Link: Whoa... all those fish are Sword Spirits.

Chloro: I know.  I thought we all came in human form.

Jubbis: (turns around) Very well.  I will lead my men in the charge against the Knaughtilus.  Land Prince, I am counting on you to keep my children save.  If something were to happen to me, make sure they and my people escape.

Nordis: You have my word, King Jubbis.

Link: And the Like-Likes?

Jubbis: You shall have your wish; the four of you will exterminate every last Like-Like from the Coral Castle.  That is an order.

Croth: Wait, four of us?  Jubby, Neekle and I can handle them ourselves.

Jubbis: I won't take chances.  Those two have proven their strength, and I trust you two keep a careful eye on them.  I don' trust them completely.  Zoras, to arms!  We will send the Knaughtilus back to the abyss it came from!

The Zoras shout their battle cry and dive into the ocean on the assault.  Two Zora guards remain to lead Link, Chloro, Croth, and Neekle to the Coral Castle.

Croth: It's your lucky day, Rookie.  Thanks to Jubby's orders, I'm now your superior.  That means two have to do what I say.

Chloro: Hey, it's bad enough I gotta keep Link from bossing me around, I'm not gonna listen to you.

Link: For once, I agree.  Chloro and I are equal partners, so you and I should do the same.

Croth: (scowls) Fine, but I'm watching you, Rookie.

Neekle: And I shall accept the sworn duty to watch over you, dear Chloro. (takes Chloro's hands again) I will not allow those monsters to lay a finger or claw or tentacle on your radiant head.  This I swear to you!

Chloro: (pulls her hands away) Just perfect.

Luriel: Link, Chloro, be careful.  That's our home they're attacking.  Don't let them destroy it.

Mardos: That's right.  Please do not let us down.

Link: I promise. (nods) Nordis, will you be fine by yourself?

Nordis: I'll be fine, now go.  The children will be safe with me.

Link, Chloro, Croth, and Neekle approach the remaining Zora Guards.  One guard blows into a conch shell around his neck.  A path of coral emerges from the ocean leading to a castle rising from the waves.  All four make their march towards the Coral Castle, ready to defeat the invading Like-Likes and save the Zora's Domain.

To be continued...