The Mark of a Soulmate

The Earth Temple

     Asuriel returned to her room, quiet disheartened after speaking with Impa. She had not verbally expressed her anxiety about the girl's predicament, but Asuriel could sense that she felt it nonetheless. She had done her best to explain everything to her guardian, the reason she guided Link, why she stayed with him, and her ultimate decision to save his life. The young Impa seemed rather displeased, it was clear that she did not take to Link in a good manner. Now, they were discussing what they would do with her to keep her safe. 

     She could hear them from where she lay on her bed. Besides some talk about Hylia, the conversation was always about her. Her safety, her training, her happiness. Asuriel appreciated their concern, but this was no longer about her; she was to be part of something bigger. It was not about her safety, but Hylia's. She sprang from her bed and rushed out to speak her mind.

"Impa!"

     Both turned to look at her.

"I want to go to the Eldin Province. I don't want to stay here and hide away when Her Grace is fulfilling her duties. My place is by her side, and it is where I want to be. She comes before me, so you cannot make me stay, you cannot refuse to let me go. Please Impa."

     They were silent and in deep contemplation. A tear slipped down the elderly Impa's cheek and Asuriel knew she was going to the province.

"I wanted to protect you Asuriel, but I see now that you must go."

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     The temperature near the volcano was blistering. Asuriel had been used to the cool, shaded Faron woods, so she was quite hot in this new climat. Beside her, Impa gazed at the doors leading to the Earth Temple.

"Asuriel, as much as I do not want to leave you, I must find the Hero and tell him to make haste to this temple. Go on ahead to the spring and help Her Grace, I will be there shortly." 

     The girl nodded and pushed through the massive doors, which clanged shut behind her. The temple was infested with monsters just as the Skyview had been. Not just forest dwelling creatures, but ones that belched fire. Large dragon heads adorned the walls and spewed liquid flames that burned in rivers, slowly flowing to the heart of the Temple. Asuriel had never seen such a substance before, yet she was wary enough to not touch it.

     Dodging the many creatures in the temple was tricky, but Impa had worked with her on her stealth. She passed through a final set of double doors. After ascending a flight of stairs, she found Hylia, guarded by bokoblins and chained to the ground. A plan developed in her mind. From the mogmas, she had learned that monsters like bokoblins had a weakness from treasure, especially shiny things. Taking a deep breath and focusing, Asuriel created fairy lights and blew them towards to guards. As she suspected, they were enthralled with them and followed them a little ways away from Hylia. 

"Your Grace!"

     The girl was careful to speak quietly, but she was overjoyed to see Hylia.

"Give me a moment to free you."

     Asuriel summoned another light, guiding it inside the lock and then making grow, effectively undoing the lock. Now freed, Zelda rose and thanked Asuriel, but they did not have time to celebrate. Even behind the heavy doors, Asuriel heard the sound of a bokoblin screeching excitedly. Along with that, she heard a voice that chilled her bones.

"Stop that infernal noise and just show me where the spirit maiden is."

     There was no doubt. Ghirahim was moments from bursting through the door. Now heedless of the distracted bokoblins, the girls ran past them and dropped down onto the long, sloped walkway before the golden door at the other side of the room. The doors swung open and the girls huddled against the wall of the drop off in order to less easily be seen.