The Secondary Saga

[Dark Link]

[spoiler]

Flashback #1:
Lyra, Raw Onion, Grave, Top Man, Christa, Grobdum, Klaud

It was a grey morning in the jungle as heavy clouds hung over the hilltops, threatening to drench the lush land below with additional rainfall. But in spite of the gloominess of the weather, the inhabitants of the forest remained as lively as ever, their calls and songs filling every corner of the land. The motley crew that lived inside the village of their own design were no less noisy, tending to their duties.

Yet, this wasn't solely the hustle and bustle of their daily life. There was another reason why the atmosphere in the camp was so brisk — one that everyone was reminded of when the jury-rigged speakers came to life with a high-pitched squeak and Top Man's voice began to blare from them: "Gooooooood morning, Omnitown! Last day before we head out into the swamp. Just a reminder, our beloved leader Christa has called for a general assembly after sundown. In the meantime, your resident DJ Top Man will soothe you with some smooth tunes. Here's one fresh off of the Dataverse Top 10 cha-"

He was interrupted by a gunshot, the loud 'BANG!' resonating both by itself and from the speaker system. This was followed by a female voice, one that unmistakably belonged to Christa herself: "I thought I told you no music today....Now get back to work!" Moments later, the signal was unceremoniously cut off. After that brief interruption, the residents returned to their respective tasks, none of them the least bit surprised by what had transpired.

Raw Onion and Lyra were toiling away in the kitchen behind the mess hall when this unusual exchange occurred. The mare paid it little heed and focused again on the vast assortment of meat that was sizzling on the makeshift grill. The Hylian girl, meanwhile, briefly became lost in thought. In the preceding months, she had grown accustomed to the anachronistic nature of her comrades — many of the artefacts and gadgets that once seemed so magical and mysterious to her had become entirely mundane by that point. But even though it was something Top Man had done an innumerable amount of times, his ability to connect his music box to another device and have its tune resonate across the camp continued to inspire her sense of awe and wonder.

Shaking off any further thoughts on the matter, Lyra got back to work. And there was certainly a lot of work to be had, particularly on that day. Though the inhabitants occasionally cooked their own food, the constant expeditions and search parties had necessitated that the pony and whoever was on hand to take care of such tasks. Having to cook for almost twenty people was already a tall ordeal, but with the day of their collective departure nearly upon them, they also had to prepare supplies for their journey.

Not that this bothered Raw Onion in the slightest. In fact, it was precisely when she was preparing food that the warhorse seemed the most upbeat and active, hovering in the air as she rapidly tended to several tasks at once. The blonde girl could not help but be amazed — not just at her cooking talent, but the workplace she had helped to create. Even though they were in the middle of a jungle, the group had managed to put together a surprisingly well-equipped outdoor kitchen with a large fireplace and a stone oven. The mare had even set up a small garden nearby, where she grew a variety of plants that she could use as vegetables and spices.

This made Lyra feel somewhat embarrassed as she herself wasn't quite as gifted. In addition to hunting and scavenging with the others, the teen also served as something of a craftsman for the group. Applying the skills she had learned over the years, she used whatever materials were at her disposal to fashion a variety of items — cups, cooking utensils, bags, ropes, hides and so on. But because she wasn't dedicated to any of the relevant crafts, her handiwork often ended up being crude and aesthetically unappealing.

Nevertheless, when alternatives were not available, they got the job done and her comrades always expressed their gratitude for them. Even though she wouldn't admit it, this made the girl happy. For the first time in a long while, she felt valued — she felt like she belonged there. In fact, in spite of the numerous hardships the group had to face, the time she had spent in the town of their creation represented some of the best moments of her life. Lyra was overjoyed — she no longer had to be alone. And part of her almost wanted for things to remain this way....or at least she did want that, until...

Her musings were interrupted when the brown pony resumed the conversation they had prior to the radio announcement: "Anyway, the nice thing about being a pegasus is that you don't wear out your hooves like some ponies do...though I guess only the bigger ones really have that problem. Some ponies put horseshoes on just for decoration. I don't think I could ever do it....the very idea sounds uncomfortable. Horseshoes are actually mandatory for most military personnel, but thankfully, us pegasi don't have to wear them."

"Huh?" the thief responded, having been lost in thought. "Oh....yeah, that really doesn't sound like it'd be much fun." Now that she was paying attention to the mare again, something clicked in her mind: "Onion, can I ask you something personal?"

"Lyra, you know you don't have to ask me that. Just fire away!" her friend responded merrily as she continued to prepare lunch.

Somewhat hesitantly, the street urchin inquired: "Well....you said that you wanted to ask Omni if you were meant to be a chef, and that you'd tell everyone back home his answer. But I was wondering....how come you didn't tell your mom you wanted to be a chef? I mean, I understand that everyone was pressuring you to be a soldier...but wouldn't it have been easier for you if at least your mom knew what you really wanted to do? I'm sure she'd still be proud of you just the same!"

Caught by surprise, Raw Onion allowed the spatula in her mouth to drop on the nearby table:"O-oh..." Solemnly lowering her head for a few moments, she resumed work before slowly responding: "...Well, maybe...But she was a soldier herself and she wanted me to follow in her hoof steps. She was so happy when I enlisted in the military that...well, I just couldn't bring myself to tell her that it wasn't what I wanted to do....I guess I just didn't want to disappoint her, you know?"

Turning to the Hylian girl, she took a deep breath as a confident smile appeared on her face: "But we're going to reach Omni soon...and then, I'll finally have my answer! Best of all, Top Man will be there to record all of it, so even the generals and my mom will find out directly whether I was meant to be a chef! I mean, not even they can disagree with what a god says, right?!"

"R-right!" Lyra responded, smiling in return. During their time together, she and Raw Onion had become close friends and the teen would often volunteer for kitchen duty, both to aid the mare and to spend more time with her. From the bottom of her heart, she truly wished that Omni would give the pegasus the vindication she sought and that she would be free to become a chef. And if that happened, the thief was determined to be the first in line to get a taste of her latest specialty.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Raw Onion stated as she herself was reminded of something. "There was something I wanted to ask you as well." Looking at her Hylian friend, she continued with a more sober expression: "Back when we were attacked by that black orcish tribe....what happened? Why did you get so close to the front line?"

This time, it was the archer's turn to hang her head, a sad and thoughtful gaze on her visage. She recalled that day as a series of hazy images and scrambled thoughts. In the chaos and haste of battle, it was difficult to keep a clear mind. But there was something she did clearly remember: how she felt.

She recalled feelings of pain, anguish and misery. She remembered feeling betrayed by someone who she thought was her comrade, her ally.....her friend. She could clearly call back the desire she had to face this person, to find out why they had done this. But most of all, she remembered being stunned, being paralyzed....because for all the power and might radiating from him, she was able to witness all those feelings mirrored on that person's face.

"Grobdum...." Lyra uttered with a heavy heart, uncertain as to how to explain her mental state to her quadruped friend.

But as it turned out, no explanation was necessary. Nodding sympathetically, Raw Onion patted the Hylian girl on the back with her hoof: "I know how you feel. None of us took it well that one of our own turned against us. But you know that he was never much of a team player...I mean, he joined us only because we defeated the orcish tribe he was with. And he kept stealing things from people....heck, he tried robbing you back at the temple!"

Rapidly turning to face the mare, Lyra's deep blue eyes gazed into hers, a determined expression on her face. Raising her clenched fists, she exclaimed: "He did those things because he felt like he didn't have a choice! I was a thief too....I know how that's like!"

"That's not the same thing. You didn't have a choice, your survival depended on it. Grobdum didn't have to steal any of the things he did, we would have helped him if he had asked." The warhorse eyed her comrade sternly: "Lyra...you need to move on. Did you already forget that you almost died during that attack? How do you think I and the others would have felt if you hadn't survived that day?"

The teen was taken aback by this response and went silent. Of course she hadn't forgotten....just thinking about it sent a chill down her spine. The sensation lingered in her stomach as though it had just occurred. She recalled how the large blade sunk deep into her flesh, effortlessly crushing her bones. She remembered feeling life literally draining out of her and collapsing on the floor. Lastly, she recalled something touching her and speaking out words before her consciousness was completely submerged in darkness. Ever since then, she had wondered how she could have possibly survived that....and practically unscathed to boot.

"I know. I...I'm sorry. I was careless...." she said, an expression of guilt and torment on her visage. "But Onion, I....I know how Grobdum feels. I know how it's like to be small and insignificant...to feel alone and unwanted. He wouldn't have done this if he thought that there was another way...I know it! And you should have seen him that day, seen his eyes....even though he had so much power, there was so much pain and sadness in them...."

"Lyra....what are you saying? Mister Clayton and General Klaud told us what happened," the pony responded cautiously, waiting to see what the archer was trying to get at.

"I...I think something else happened back then. Something that made Grobdum think he wasn't wanted here.....something that we weren't told about or that might have been missed. I...I'm not sure how we could find out about that, but..."

"Well, maybe you could start by asking the general herself," a third voice suddenly chimed in. Taken by surprise, the chef and her assistant turned to see who it was. They were approached by Grave, who was carrying the carcass of a boar.

"Grave!" the two spoke out in unison.

Dropping the animal on the jungle floor with a grunt, the Nephilim took a deep breath before finally greeting them: "Mornin', ladies. Sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear what you were talking about while I was lugging this hog here....Anyway, Klaud was there when it happened. If anyone would know if there anything suspicious about what happened, she would."

Relieved that they weren't overheard by Clayton or one of the camp leaders, the blonde girl sighed before responding: "I...I don't know. I mean, even if something else did happen, I don't....I don't really think that the General would have lied about it."

The silver-haired hunter replied to that with a chuckle: "Who said anything about lying? I mean, our dear General is quite lovely and competent, but no one's infallible. She could have missed something....something that puts a completely different spin on things. Either way, you won't know for certain unless you talk to her about it."

"Grave's right," the brown pony interjected. "Plus, we'll be leaving soon, so you might not get another good chance for a while. So you should go right away. If nothing else, it might give you a peace of mind."

"But...but we still have so much work to do here," Lyra said uncertainly.

"Haha...anybody can cut up veggies. In fact, I've got a bit of time to kill, since Alice is still chugging her daily dose of animal blood. So you go ahead...I'll fill in for you 'till you get back."

Looking at the two of them, the girl smiled at them: "Thanks, both of you. I'll be back soon, I promise."

"Wait," Raw Onion stopped her.

"Y..yes?"

"Remember...you're not alone. No matter what happens, we've got your back, alright?" the soldier replied, smiling at her friend.

The pointy-eared teen said nothing. Trying, and failing, to hide how much that statement meant to her, she gave them a firm nod before running off to find Klaud. Eyeing the man who was now beside her suspiciously, the mare asked: "Did it really take you so long to carry that boar?"

"Well....I might have been a bit slower about it than usual," the blue-eyed man responded, winking at the chef before he started chopping some sweet peppers.

Flashback #2:
Lyra, Klaud, Grobdum, Clayton, Raw Onion

Standing inside the general's tent, Lyra and Klaud Nine quietly stared at one another. The exorcist had just shared her thoughts and now patiently waited for the young girl's response. Meanwhile, the thief continued to glare at the uniformed woman in disbelief over what she had just heard: "Y-you mean....?!"

Klaud gave her a brief nod: "Correct. Back then, I had responded in a manner that I considered the most appropriate at that moment in time. But even then, I quickly began to question the wisdom of my decision, as I was unfortunate enough to get a glimpse of mister Clayton's true nature before. Combined with what you had just told me about Grobdum, I am now more convinced than ever before that mister Clayton had orchestrated the event and deceived us."

Lyra was left speechless. To be certain, she had believed that Grobdum hadn't intended any harm to Clayton at the time. However, she thought that it was some sort of misunderstanding that had driven the shaman away. The idea that someone would intentionally do so, that someone would deliberately deceive them into turning against an ally, hadn't even crossed her mind....or was it that she didn't want to believe something like that?

Stammering, the teenager finally managed another question: "B-But....but why?! Why would he do this?! Aren't we allies?! Aren't we all seeking the same thing?!"

"That, I do not know. I can only speculate that Clayton perceived him as a threat, either to the group or to his goals, due to his previous association with the orcs." The soldier's expression turned into a sad frown. "Whatever the case may be, it seems that I had indeed chosen poorly....I am truly sorry." She bowed, a great deal of discipline and grace in her gesture.

"No, please...." the archer attempted to stop her. "Y...you don't owe me any apology...."

"But I do," Klaud resumed as she straightened up again. "Even if I am not directly at fault, my actions ended up driving away an ally and leading up to the events that had nearly cost you your life. PFC. Raw Onion had informed me of your near brush with death. It is most fortuitous that you are still amongst us."

"No, really, it's alright...." Lyra said, her head hung. "You couldn't have known about how Grobdum is really like or what would happen. Besides, it doesn't really matter anymore....Grobdum isn't coming back....and the rest of the group probably wouldn't accept him even if he did." Wrapping herself in silence once more, she contemplated. In truth, part of her had always been unnerved by Clayton. The thief had spent enough time around people to be able to tell when they were being genuine and when they were just pretending. And though the hunter was capable of a very convincing act, that was precisely the thing.....it was too good, like something he had rehearsed a thousand times over rather than how he naturally behaved.

A few more moments of silence passed between them before the general resumed: "Correct, there is nothing that can be done for Grobdum at this point....But we can at least prevent mister Clayton from causing any more harm to the group."

The girl's pointy ears perked up as she heard this. She raised her head: "...What do you mean?"

"...Lyra, the primary reason I risked telling you all this is because, as an affected party, I felt you deserved to know the truth. That was your right and I would have done so regardless. However, there is another reason....I am putting together a group that will put a stop to Clayton. Even you must realise that he poses a threat to all of us. I would like to enlist your aid in this effort so that he isn't permitted to do the same thing."

The Hylian said nothing as she found herself staring at the floor again. The conversation came to another pause. In spite of this, no sounds from the outside could be heard. The General had made certain that her tent had thick covers so as to prevent anyone from potentially eavesdropping.

Finally, there came an answer: "I...I'm sorry. But I can't."

Klaud looked perplexed. It was quickly apparent that she had no expected such an answer: "No? How come?"

The archer remained silent, attempting to figure out how to best formulate her response: "E-even if I am suspicious of Clayton, we...we don't really have any solid proof. For all we know, he might have only had good intentions. Plus, I....I've lost so many allies over the years. I just can't turn my arrows against a member of our own group. Not unless I'm absolutely certain he is intent on harming us."

The woman in uniform allowed the silence to hang in the air for a few moments before firmly nodding: "I understand. Can I at least ask you not to speak of this with anyone else?"

Lyra nodded in kind: "Yes....I won't tell anyone. Also, even if I'm not a part of your group, I'm going to keep my eye out for Clayton. If I see anything suspicious, I'll let you know right away."

"That is an acceptable arrangement. Thank you, Lyra. Now it is best that we each return to our duties."

"Thank you for everything, General," the thief said and turned to leave.

"Wait.....there is one thing I am curious about," the soldier stopped her. "In spite of everything that had transpired...do you still consider Grobdum a comrade?"

Taken aback by the question, the girl stared at her for some time. In truth, the answer to that wasn't difficult....it was merely hard for her to say it. Finally, she managed to utter: "Y....Yes." Feeling embarrassed, she hung her head once more: "You must think I'm foolish."

It was then that, for the first time in their conversation, the exorcist smiled: "I think you can recognise a friend when you see one."

The archer glanced at her once more, stunned by this comment. However, she said nothing more and left the habitat. Part of her was extremely glad to be vindicated in her belief in the goblin. Yet, the revelations had still caused her to have a sinking feeling in her stomach. She had become afraid. Afraid that fate was once again conspiring against her, threatening to take away the people she had grown to care for once more.[/spoiler]

This was it. The day had finally come — the day of their departure. The motley crew was about to traverse the infamous Swamp of Sorrows. None of them had even the slightest idea what dangers were hidden within its impenetrable fog. But it was beyond its murky waters that their destination lied...and there was no turning back for any one of them.

The weather was once again quite dreary, but the group didn't allow this to delay them for even a moment. They had already packed everything they could the previous day so that they could leave first thing in the morning. In fact, the majority of the group had already set off on their trek to the edge of the swamp. Only one person remained behind, trying to take care of some unfinished business.

"Lyra, come on! We have to go!" came the distant call from Grave, who didn't wish to leave the teenage girl by herself.

"Be right there!" she responded before turning to look at the object in front of her. Sitting on a stone altar — really, just the most appropriate slab of stone they could find — was a wooden statue that she designed. The blonde girl actually found it kind of embarassing to look at — it was so simplistic and crude that it was little better than a tribal idol.

Nevertheless, it was something that had taken a significant amount of time to make and that she poured her heart and soul into. It had the rough humanoid shape — according to rumours, that was apparently how Omni looked like...and Omni was the goal that had brought them together in the first place.

The altar it was standing on had letters etched into its cold stone. Near the top, the title "OMNITOWN" was carved with big, bold letters — apparently, enough of the inhabitants thought that Top Man's nickname for the camp was amusing enough to officially dub it that. Below that, twenty-two other names were written on it, one for each of the residents who had helped build the camp in the first place.

But there was one name that was missing...a name that Lyra thought belonged there as well. Turning around to make sure nobody was looking, she took out the improvised chisel and began to pound the solid material, lines forming under pressure. After a bit of work, those lines ended up forming a familiar name:

"GROBDUM"

Solemnly observing the end result, she rummaged through her pockets until she pulled out a shiny object — a silver compass, decorated with curved lines. This was the item that the goblin had attempted to relieve her of back when they met for the first time in the temple. Funnily enough, it didn't belong to the girl either — she had stolen it from a nasty Camelot guard as a 'farewell' gesture prior to heading off for the Tangled Green. And considering the item looked like something he couldn't afford, it was likely confiscated from another poor soul to begin with.

Lyra smiled faintly as old memories flooded her mind: "You always were the better thief." Placing the object in front of the wooden sculpture, she added: "Here, take it. I hope you'll use it to find your way....so that we can meet again someday."

She took one more glance around the now abandoned town. In a way, it was a miracle what they had managed to accomplish — in a scant few months, they had managed to turn a barren hill into a full-fledged settlement. Part of her felt sadness at the thought that they were just going to leave it for the orcs to take — or for nature to reclaim it. For all she knew, it was entirely possible that her small statue would decay into nothingness long before anyone would have a chance to see it.

But as the girl learned as she was glancing at the empty tents and bamboo houses, a home was not a physical location — it was where you felt warm and welcome, where people you knew and cared for resided. Besides, not one of them was willing to give up on their quest, not even Lyra. As happy as she had been there, the questions she sought answers for still plagued her mind, still kept her up at night. And she knew herself well enough to know that she would not be able to rest until she had them.

Finally turning her back to the small monument and the camp as a whole, the thief broke into a sprint in order to catch up with the others. As a slight drizzle was starting to set in, she covered herself with the hood of her cape....only to be showered by a completely different, golden substance. Caught by surprise, she cleared her face as she continued to run. Lyra couldn't believe it...there were still dust particles from the temple clinging to the inside of her cape?! She was certain she had cleared that out ages ago!

But as the archer distanced herself from the settlement further and further, her thoughts went back to the altar they left behind and a dark though crossed her mind. The monument was something they had all done together as a team, united as one.....would it also be the last?

Flashback #2 goes here.

Before she was even aware of what has transpired, Lyra's worst fears had come to pass. They had barely set foot inside the mists covering the swamp when a mysterious fog set in. By the time it had cleared, the Hylian girl realised that something was amiss. Neither Grave, who was behind her, nor Raw Onion, who was in front of her, were anywhere in sight. All that was there, as far as the eye could see, were the black, tar-like waters and rotted plants.

"Raw Onion?!....Grave?!....General?!.....Captain?!...." she continued to call her comrades, one after the other. But other than the distant sounds of insects and frogs, there was no response.

Trudging through the mud that was covering her boots, the archer shouted with all her might: GRAVE!....RAW ONION!...WHERE ARE YOU?!" But no matter how much she strained herself, this only produced a twisted echo, as if her own voice was mocking her.

Stopping in her tracks for a moment, the blonde girl went silent. Hopelessly looking around, she called out timidly: "....Raw Onion?" But the result was the same. There was no one there to offer her a reply, no one to offer her aid, no one to offer her comfort....She was truly alone.

Her heart pounding in her chest, the thief cautiously proceeded onward. The mud was now reaching her knees. It was odd. She was certain that this part of the swamp was no deeper than what she was walking on before. Yet, tried as she might, her legs continued to submerge deeper into the depths of the swamp...

....Tried as she might, the people she grew to care for always abandoned her. She knew it wasn't their fault, that they didn't mean to do that. But all the same, they left her behind, left her alone to fend for herself. The girl didn't know what was worse: when she saw them die right in front of her eyes or when they just disappeared without a trace, never to be heard from again. She didn't know what was worse: goodbyes that came too early or not being able to say goodbye at all...

...Her sinking was also getting worse. The waters were reaching her waist and it was getting increasingly harder to dislodge her feet from the dark, wet soil. The thief started to sob...and became surprised when she realised she was doing so. What was wrong with her?! It was just a bit of water! She had gotten out of far worse situations than this! She could escape!...

...But she could never escape her fate. Every time that it seemed like happiness was finally within her grasp, destiny saw it fit to snatch it away. Every time that it seemed like she found people she could care for and that would care for her in return, someone or something was always there to take them away. In the end, no matter how many dangers she survived, no matter how many obstacles she overcame, she was always alone and miserable in the end...

...Her present situation was also quite miserable. She was now submerged up to her chest and could hardly take any steps farther. Though she held up her arms, waving them to signal for help, there was no one there to come to her aid. Tears now flowed down her cheeks in a constant stream, agony tearing her apart. She wanted out of these waters, out of this misery!...

....But she could never leave. After all, it wasn't like she hadn't tried time and time again. She could never succeed, so what was the point of even trying?.....What was the point of even living?

Finally, using the last remnants of her strength and will, she threw herself onto a small nearby rock. Clinging onto it, with all but her head and arms submerged in the black depths, Lyra began to weep uncontrollably. Her spirit was utterly crushed....she just didn't care anymore. She wanted to submerge her head in the swamp and drown. If it could bring her even a moment of respite from this wretchedness, this desolation, it would be worth it. Perhaps, if she died, then she could see her friends again....perhaps then, she wouldn't have to be so alone anymore....

"E....everyone...." she said with a broken voice, turning her head to glance around her one more in desperation. But it was then that she realised that there was something else clinging onto the same rock....

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Lyra screamed as she came face to face with a skeleton. Her head bolting upwards, she panted heavily as she took a more careful look. Indeed, they were another person's remains, their bony appendages holding on in the same fashion that hers were. But what was even more amazing was what they held...

Firmly placed on the rock, the tips of what were once hands wrapped around it, was a musical instrument — an ocarina. In spite of its simplistic design, the mere sight of it was breath-taking, an end result of excellent craftsmanship. In the midst of the black and desolate waters, it radiated almost like the sun at its brightest. Most amazingly of all, even though it must have been there for a long time, the moisture hadn't even dented it — it looked as pristine as the day it was made.

Having calmed down at this wondrous sight, the Hylian glanced again at the skeletal remains beside her. Whoever they were, they didn't drown. They still died, but even in their last breaths, they held onto the instrument....held onto their last bit of hope.

This made the archer wonder.....what if it wasn't everyone else who had abandoned her? What if, by giving up, she was inadvertently abandoning them? Could she really do that? Could she really die, never to see the others again? Never getting to see whether Captain Crow's training paid off? Never getting to taste Raw Onion's delicious meals? Never getting to see...

Suddenly, she heard that voice again, the one that spoke to her during the battle. But this time, she could recall what it said with clarity. She could recognise it....it was Grobdum: "I knowz I didn’t do da right ting, but maybe…Maybe we kin find it togethah one day."

"Gobbo...." the blonde girl said staidly to herself. She reached out for the ocarina. Pulling it out of the skeleton's hold, she nevertheless managed to do so without displacing the remains. The thief had never played an instrument in her life. Nevertheless, she blew into it. She hoped that its sound could do what her voice could not...and reach out from the mists.

Items used:
Goddess' Fortune, Ocarina