Lake Hylia - Eye of the Storm

Characters involved: 
 * Ganondorf (as spoofer)
 * Artifa
 * Daray

LAKE HYLIA

SpoofAPP 4:46 PM Lake Hylia? Or the Great Ocean?

What was once a nice lakeside area in a corner pocket of Hyrule has now spread into the ocean that covers the majority of the country. At first the waters were rabid and fierce, with mighty swells threatening the existence of any who dare try to sail upon them. In the weeks since though, the water has calmed enough for not only adventurers to sail across the new waters, but for business to happen. Fishing boats trawl through the waters, as do passenger ferries carting people from one island to the next. Most are wind-powered, taking advantage of the gusts that sweep across the waters.

One particular boat, a red fishing trawler, boasts a group of four men. They flail with the rigging, seemingly struggling to adjust the sails and equipment. Frustrated they appear to be, though when they finally do figure it all out they laugh heartily, the bright sunshine radiating down upon them as they set course once more.

All seems well.

...until anyone approaches the lake.

As the source of all of this, Lake Hylia remains to be, sadly, a place ravaged by calamity. Through a combination of the old Yiga hideout (fitted with Ganondorf's own magical devices and creatures) and the Gods themselves imparting their influence on the waters here, the whole place radiates with an eerie feeling of magical energy. Near constant storms swarm the skies, forcing winds and waves of great might to crash upon anyone who dares venture here.

ArtifaAPP 5:31 PM Artifa, admittedly, wasn't accustomed to working with boats, having had little experience with them or need to utilize them, but sometimes survival forces you to learn new ways to, well, survive. She found herself on their makeshift craft, heading through towards the lake to see what it's become. It was always such a serene and beautiful place, but truly, it is now a shadow of its former self. The goddesses' touch is truly here and admittedly, it's not one she had expected to be able to witness for herself, but their work was abundantly clear. They did what they must to spare Hyrule, despite its effects on the people. They knew they would survive and thrive somehow.

"Guiding through here won't be easy," she sighed to herself. There has to be someplace they can reasonably dock. She isn't expecting anything professional, but someplace they can put their boat to land. "We'll just have to keep the bow facing towards the waves. At any point it is facing port or starboard, we are at high risk of being swelled and tumbling."

DarayAPP 8:27 PM Daray has memorized the basics of seafaring as part of his Sheikah training. Of course, it's been purely theoretical for him up until now, just a scroll of instructions with a few illustrations, and said instructions assumed any sailing needed would be short voyages along shorelines, to facilitate missions where an aquatic approach would be advantageous. Actually putting it into practice takes...well, practice. :P And now here they are braving waters which most experienced seamen would give a wide berth to.

Daray nimbly climbs the mast of their little vessel, looking out on the patterns in the water. "That's going to be quite a trick in itself," he muses. "Things are rather chaotic here. 15 degrees starboard for the next one, I think."

SpoofAPP 8:37 PM The thunder crackles above with an intimidating boom. Not long after the rain starts falling - hard and fast, pushed in all sorts of directions by the gusty winds. The waves are as mighty as small mountains, threatening to derail anyone without enough skill to pass.

As Daray and Artifa pass over a gigantic swell however, they may just catch sight of something as they dip over the other side of it: land. It's a very small island, not much more than a couple of meters squared. The pristine grass is unmistakable amidst all the dark blues and greys that otherwise surround this place. Furthermore, the seas around it look inexplicably calm - as if that very island was in the eye of this big old storm.

ArtifaAPP 3:19 PM Artifa stays below, making sure the crew can execute the changes necessary to make this work. "Then we had better grow used to using better sleight of hand," she stated while assisting with preparing the boat for the next swell. "Truthfully, I am having difficulty imagining such a peaceful lake being turned to violent sea. The goddesses' work is a sight to behold, however inconvenient it may be to navigate through it."

DarayAPP 11:14 PM It takes a special kind of mindset to be thoroughly and defiantly evil in a world like Hyrule, especially after recent events. Ordinarily you might scoff at the legends of the Three, telling yourself and anyone else you care to try and convince that it's all just superstition. Or you might acknowledge that They exist, but cast doubt on the veracity of Their claim to omnipotence, choosing to believe that other powers rival or eclipse the Three's and thus deciding to 'back a different horse'. But when They make a personal appearance, snuff out a cataclysm from the sky like it was nothing, and ALTER THE VERY FACE OF THE LAND in a minute's work, even those who have an aversion to honest dealings and niceness that borders on the allergic might decide that the smart money's on the Three after all. C.C;

I mention this because Artifa appears to have a sort of scholastic immunity to fearing the consequences of siding against the Three, and this does not go unnoticed by Daray. e.e Here she is following the orders of Ganon's vessel and trying to unleash him upon the land (such as it is) once more, and she comments on what the Three have wrought as an intriguing curiosity. Maybe she thinks she's a small enough player in the cosmic drama to escape the Three's notice. Maybe she thinks everything that happens is a part of the goddesses' plan so whatever she does is what They decided she'd do anyway. Maybe she doesn't care what happens to her as long as history unfolds in an interesting way. Daray makes a mental note to watch for clues to Artifa's mental makeup, so as to better...influence her actions in the future.

Oh, and Daray himself? He has somewhat fatalistic motivations for continuing to serve Ganondorf. He definitely is getting the sense that he's probably on the losing side after all, and he doesn't like THAT one bit. >{ But if the Three really are as powerful and all-knowing as the legends say, he doesn't figure he can get on Their good side at this point, with all the murder and other atrocities he's committed. Besides, right or wrong, he thinks that being a good guy would be insufferably BORING. >P Something along the lines of that 'Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven' mindset that has misled so many into damnation.

Anyway! Daray spots the suspiciously peaceful scrap of dirt in the midst of the maelstrom. "There's a spot we might be able to make safe anchor 60 degrees to port!" he shouts down. "We're going to have to approach it concentrically! 20 degrees port for now, and get ready to compensate starboard for the next breaker!"

ArtifaAPP 3:53 AM "Understood!" Artifa called out, pulling at the ropes and changing the direction of the sails as well as compensating for what her weight could put into this gymnastic pursuit of water sport. These waves were intense, water spray bursting up, around, and over the vessel, drenching her. However, her grip maintained and her focus stayed locked onto their goal. "Brace yourself!" She shouted as they wrapped around, drawing closer to the island. This was going to be a bit of a rough grounding.

SpoofAPP 5:08 AM Every force of nature combines to throw both Artifa and Daray off their course. The swells roll to unprecedented heights, fuelled by the high velocity winds that sweep across the surface. Strikes of lightning rain down them, powered by the throngs of magic that sit heavy in this area. Then, as they crash over the top of a particularly nasty wave, they descend into... calm.

The waves have stopped, giving way to the soft open waters of Lake Hyrule. Sunshine can be seen beaming down from above as the clouds part to reveal a nice bed of grass. The duo have passed whatever trials and tribulations that the Three had left there, and gotten to this one spot. As nice as it appears though, there is nothing upon it. No treasure chest, no reward. Just soft grass.

DarayAPP 9:38 PM Hmmm...a singular bit of land in the center of a magical tempest, and it turns out there's nothing important about it. Riiiiight. :stuck_out_tongue: Daray hops off as soon as the vessel is close enough to shore and kneels down to give the tiny island a close examination. A recharge of his earth-magic pebble might be useful here, but a Sheikah doesn't dwell on wishful scenarios. "Any observations, o scholarly one?" Daray asks of Artifa.

ArtifaAPP 3:25 AM Artifa stepped off the boat, looking towards the expanse of the sea. Everything was so peaceful here, strangely so. She had to wonder if this too, was the work of the goddesses. In contrast to the sea, this area is serene.

"Too many, but none that need attention immediately. So far, I only wish to know if this island is the very one that holds the water temple. If so, I might be able to get my bearings straightened out."

If she knew that, she could potentially find some means of getting to her lab. Assuming there's anything worthwhile there anymore after this flooding. She proofed it against the worst of conditions, but this was never something she considered. It appears history can happen in an instant after all.

Noted.

"I don't feel ease here. This is the only place of not that, one of very few to survive the goddesses' presence here. I feel that gives it much more significance than it's appearance and air suggests."

SpoofAPP 4:05 PM The bed of grass that the duo stand upon is indeed the one that houses the Water Temple. Though the land looks to have severely elevated, if one peers under the surface of the clear water around they will be able to see now-flooded landmarks. The stone pillars, for instance, and the fishing shop. They can all be seen in their relative positions if one squints hard enough. They're just... very sunken.

ArtifaAPP 1:41 AM "So it is..." Artifa remarked to herself aloud. She turned around and headed towards the tree, climbing up to the top and settling herself along its solitary branch. "I wonder if the platforms still maintain their power?" She looked down towards the stone pad. "And of them, how many are still above water? The mountains, for certain; here. I know not how much of the forest still remains above water or the desert for that matter. Kakariko has certainly met a similar fate," she huffed, attempting to think this through.

"We should keep an eye out for Zora. They would be the most well suited towards this environment. Perhaps they may render us some assistance. Perhaps they may even have some tunics available for us to traverse the waters more easily."

DarayAPP 7:02 PM Assistance from the general populace. There's a tactic Daray doesn't try often these days. e.e As the only Sheikah in Termina (at least, the only one not in hiding), he got used to people having heard grim tales of his actions on behalf of the King of Evil. He could still manage to disguise himself sufficiently to fool the casual eye of course, but often it was easier to accomplish his missions without resorting to...social means. Back here in Hyrule, perhaps there's a decent chance of him pretending to be an honest person and convincing others to help him. But still... "If it comes to that, you should do most of the talking," Daray remarks to Artifa. "They're more likely to listen to you. Meanwhile, I believe I could get near the bottom and back without any devices, although I certainly hope I don't end up having to drag up everything you need by swimming back and forth.  Where's the entrance to your lab?"

SpoofAPP 10:07 PM Unfortunately there are no Zoras around. Perhaps turned off by the magical storm that rages above or preoccupied with their own problems, none appear to be in sight.

ArtifaAPP 4:53 PM "You don't need to drag up everything I need. That which I have in my lab is nothing more than pieces of Hyrule's ancient history." Artifa didn't wish to go back out into that storm, but she shouldn't have to. "The good thing about pieces is that they tend to be small in most cases." She dropped down from the tree and landed softly upon the grass. "What I have there may finally come into play. I should probably dive with you. I don't know the dangers of these waters. They might as well be foreign since the goddesses left their mark upon this land." She wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but sometimes situations called for it.

"That will spare us both the need for talking and to take more action." Walking over to the edge of the island, she peered into the waters. "What we'll be looking for down there should resonate with energies familiar to Sheikah," she explained. "We've been around for longer than people give us credit for and hiding is something that comes naturally to us. We were meant to hide, in some respects at least, this is what I've discovered, however we've left our mark in Hyrule in different ways. in order to get to the lab, we'll have to reach the lake bottom some way." She pointed out the distance as a general direction, but it was where farmland used to be arranged.

"Are you still up for a swim?"

DarayAPP 7:12 PM "I'm touched by your concern for me," Daray says with mild sarcasm. :wink: "Good to know your time spent studying hasn't dampened your confidence for field work." Daray makes a shallow dive into the water and strikes out for the location Artifa indicated. If they're lucky, the lab itself might still contain a bit of breathable air, that would certainly make things easier.

ArtifaAPP 11:36 PM Artifa smirked, following after Daray with a dive into the water. catching up with him in short time. She focused her attention on the goal of getting to her lab, though with what they faced in getting to the lake, she imagines there may be issues to face beneath the waters as well. Best to keep the senses open on the swim there.

SpoofAPP 4:57 AM The water that the Yiga swim through feels different to regular water. Heavier, almost. Thicker. Cooler. Though given that they are likely approaching the source of all this destruction and chaos, that is not too surprising. However, as dangerous as the winds, waters seem, the two diving figures will find that the threats they thus far have encountered pale in comparison to what they're about to witness.

Whether it by the will of The Three or perhaps from lingering magic that erupted when the Yiga compound flooded and collapsed, the looming presence of something massive can be felt. At first it looks to be nought but a silhouette beneath them - a colossal shaped creature with tendrils propelling it forward. But then? The silhouette gains colour as it shimmers into focus and gets closer. At fifteen meters long from head to tentacle-end, the colossal squid rears about.

That's no ordinary squid. Hell, it's not even a giant squid. It's some sort of super giant squid, mutated by the unnatural events that have occurred recently. That's right. A kraken! And to make matters worse? It's guarding the target zone. At the moment the mega beasty is just in a holding pattern, swimming about in the same cycle. But surely if the pair get closer, they dare to face its wrath...

ArtifaAPP 6:27 AM Sheikah were sufficiently trained for situations that would otherwise be improbable for other people, but even they had their limits. Artifa slowed in her swim until she came to a stop, observing the mass that was floating around. She had heard tale of Octorok growing remarkably large, but this appeared to be a different kind altogether. A giant squid? She's certain that Daray has made the same observation, but she still lifts a hand to draw attention just in case.

This was going to be problematic.

They needed to somehow get past this creature and get to her lab. She continued to motion with her hands in an effort to keep the attention of that squid from focusing on them. '_There must be a weakness to exploit._ she signed. Granted, perhaps attacking is not in their best interest? It is her hope they can avoid it or create a distraction moresignificant than themselves.

DarayAPP 11:37 AM Wonderful. e.e Don't suppose it's too much to ask for that this is simply a random sea creature that's looking for its natural prey and is unlikely to harm weird-looking quadrupeds as long as they don't bother it? No, of course it's not, it wouldn't be cycling around and around near the place they need to get to if it wasn't a boss monster. Artifa's apparently thinking the same thing, as she suggested finding a weak point to Hit For Massive Damage. Or, as her player pointed out, maybe Summon Bigger Fish or the like would work better...if they can just find something big enough to distract or chase away the kraken. Daray looks about for options toward either of those tactics.

And heads for the surface for a gulp of air while he's at it. Besides, they can plan things out better where they can actually talk.

ArtifaAPP 10:37 PM Artifa swims up to the surface, taking in a deep breath upon surfacing. She didn't like the odds of this, but she's willing to play the game. Risks must be taken, sometimes. "I am none too thrilled that this creature is down there, however, I do believe there is a boon to this. If it resides in the depths, then so too things that interest it. It may take some additional work, but we may be able to lure something it likes or perhaps dislikes to it to distract it." If only she knew what that was, but that's what investigation is for.

She began to gather some wire from her person and fiddle with it a bit. "With some rupees and something to bind them with, I could fashion some sort of lure."

SpoofAPP 12:40 AM Meanwhile, the kraken continues to blob and swim around beneath the torrential seas. Lured by the darkness that is beyond it, the beasty slowly swims in circular patterns around a particular spot.

DarayAPP 9:24 PM Daray nods thoughtfully, digging out some rupees from wherever it is Sheikah keep such things. Hey, even ninja know the usefulness of money. It can distract people, bribe officials, and even do mundane stuff like purchase materials. And it's not like rupees take up any actual space, right? ;) So you might as well carry some around.

After handing over the gems, Daray goes back underwater. He singles out one of the larger, slower fish, some type of grouper. He approaches it stealthily from below, then hooks his kama into its mouth. Towing the struggling fish with him, Daray returns to the surface. "Here, let's attach the lure to this," he tells Artifa. Should give that thing down there more of a chase than either of us could, plus it's expendable."

ArtifaAPP 12:49 AM Artifa begins stringing together the rupees on the line and securing them. Not the most ideal circumstance, being in the water and all, but she worked it all out. Unfavorable conditions are hindrances, not walls.

With Daray resurfacing with the bait, she coasted forward to begin wrapping the fish in the line. "This should do it." This ought to hold and grab some attention. The rupees would catch the light from the sun, glinting and twinkling within the water and hopefully, the attention of the kraken.

"Time to execute this plan." Diving downward, she pushed along the waters with the grouper in tow. The slack of the line helping to create distance between her and it, leaving it as the bait it's intended to be.

SpoofAPP 1:00 AM The glint of the rupees along with the smell of the bleeding fish is enough to draw the ire of the kraken. Obviously noticing that something is amiss, he turns slowly around to look at the swimming Yiga, but more importantly? The treasure and food. His small, beady eyes lock onto the objects, and at first slowly kicks around to them. But then, with a sudden kick of all his tentacles? He catapults forward at an accelerated rate! In nearly no time at all he looms upon Artifa and her dragline, reaching out with one tendril to coil about the glittering rupees first.

ArtifaAPP 2:52 AM There are few things that can prepare someone for the power of nature. First it's the storms, then it's this large, aquatic beast of multiple arms. Artifa didn't expect it to take interest so quickly, even more so, arriving at the bait so quickly. Octoroks never quite had much motivation to move as quickly. Their methods were different. They could afford to strike at a distance and make their way towards their food at their own pace, but this...this was different. Not to mention its size. She'd never quite felt so small before meeting with this water dweller. For a brief moment, she wonders what she's gotten herself into?

Trying to shake that thought, she figured she could try to create a bit more distance with this thing and tug the line enough to yank the fish away. She didn't wish to toy around too much as this creature did seem keen on its environment. So, she took a bit of a swim with the intent to get it just far enough to concern itself with the bait and leave enough of a gap for herself and Daray to get to the lab.

DarayAPP 10:30 PM Ah, Artifa gets the fun job it seems. X) Not that Daray's complaining.  Concepts like men chivalrously taking risks so women don't have to goes against both his utilitarian Sheikah training and his selfish personal ethos.  Daray dives down toward the target location while Artifa has the leviathan distracted.  Too bad there's nothing around here to cast a good shadow, he might've been able to use his magic to cut down the distance.  Just have to rely on muscles and lung capacity.

SpoofAPP 3:33 AM The kraken writhes as it gives chase to Artifa, opening its mouth to squeal an unnatural sounding, growling roar. It easily keeps up with the female Sheikah as it kicks along in the ocean, closing in on the fish and sparkly rupees with one swift movement. Though it's perhaps taken a shorter time than expected, the plan looks to have been successful in luring the foul beasty away. For Daray? All that is before him now is darkness... the depths of Lake Hylia, where the Three first dove into the world. The magic radiating there is significant, so much so that even non-magical folk would be able to feel something 'off'.

Should Artifa abandon her lure and leave the kraken to eat its meal, she will be able to find her lab... eventually. It is very dark down there. Not to mention cold.

ArtifaAPP 1:14 AM 'I think it's time for me to let go of this.' No amount of training could deter the natural instinct of fear response, but it could be controlled. Artifa was close enough for the sound to carry and rattle her, briefly giving pause to her body before her learned strengths could kick in to counteract it. She let go of the line and left the kraken to its meal, seeking to escape back in the direction from where she came.

She tracks her way back and follows the initial path she intended to take to head to her lab. It would be much more recognizable if she didn't have all this water and darkness to contend with. A constant and now slowly chilling reminder of how much damage the goddesses did here. She figures her best bet is to tough out the depths and reach the bottom of this sea. If the lake entirely buried the area, she may yet find her way if the structures and paths have maintained. One can only hope as the cool of the waters is steadily growing colder and sapping her energy.

DarayAPP 11:17 PM Fun fact: air-breathing creatures that spend long periods of time underwater don't do it primarily by holding huge amounts of breath. In fact, they typically don't inflate their lungs as far as they can possibly go before diving, because the pressure at lower depths could rupture them if they're full of air. No, the main design trick is that their blood is richer than most other animals', able to hold greater amounts of dissolved oxygen in circulation.

This principle is of some help to Daray and Artifa, being in peak physical condition. Their blood has been forced to become more efficient by their arduous lifelong training, so even without the mental techniques and practice they possess, they'd be able to stay underwater significantly longer than the typical human. Still, they're no seals.

And I mention all this mainly because I don't have much else to pose. >.> Daray continues his descent into the dark depths, seeking Artifa's lab. Or any other formation that looks like it might contain a viable air pocket.

SpoofAPP 3:47 PM The lab that Artifa and Daray search for is pretty much where they expect to find it. The exterior has crumbled away and taken quite a bit of damage due to the fact that it's sitting so deep, though the duo do finally luck out when it comes to a result. The interior of the structure has, through some measure of luck or perhaps the magic that it itself has, not flooded. This means that provided the pair come up through a hole in the floor? They are capable of emerging through it and take in plenty of air.

Then they are free to explore the ruins of the lab, along with what other foul beasties have claimed this as a home...

The lab itself is dark, as one would expect. There are of course no lights on around here, and the entire environment is dank and moist. It smells of must, along with evil. Both of them will even feel the presence of the dreadful malice on occasion.

ArtifaAPP 3:15 AM struggled through the darkness to find the lab. She may have had sufficient training to last longer than others, but that training also has its limits and wasting magic to maintain it would have made her difficulty all the more life threatening. However, she works her way through the chilled waters and towards familiar territory. She figured at least a few tricks would work for this circumstance and she performed a seal to craft a soft, glowing light to follow towards the entrance. It'd only last for a short while, but she imagines he'd be more than capable of making it through.

She surfaced in the lab, taking a deep breath of air to restore her lungs. Grasping at the floor, she pulled herself up and out of the water. This place has seen better days and while her mind rolls with anger at seeing it this way, she tended to have expectations for circumstances like these. Not...on this level, perhaps, but destruction of her work and or progress was always a possible hazard. Thus, anything significant has been sealed away with greater wards.

"Now to find that artifact..." She wandered off into a crumbled corridor, moving past fallen rocks and water pools to find her way to her storage. Upon arrival, she checked to make sure wards weren't breached in some form. With the goddesses' power, it's entire possible they could have faltered, but she was looking for something more along the lines of intentional. Placing her hands together, she performed a seal and motioned around the warding stone to free it from its resting place.

SpoofAPP 3:45 AM The journey that Artifa makes down the various cobbled and flooded corridors persist without much fanfare. The wards look to be in one piece. Hell, even as the Yiga clan member retrieves the warding stone? Nothing happens. For a moment or two, at least.

From several corridors away, a high pitched SCREEEEE can be heard, as if several beasties had been roused from Artifa's action of uprooting the stone. Their high pitched wail bounces off the walls, ceilings and floors of the old Yiga hideout, making it difficult to pin down where they are. But they're very much here. And they're coming.

DarayAPP 6:09 PM Daray takes in a lungful of unknown gas in a chamber at the bottom of the ocean. Okay, no immediate feeling of being poisoned...maybe he's not going to suffocate. Have we mentioned that Sheikah sometimes get the fun of taking blind risks with their lives on the line? =.= Keeping his complaints from showing through on his face, Daray climbs out of the water and follows Artifa.

After a short walk, Artifa seems to find what she's looking for. Daray watches the halls around them while she works her magic, literally. And then...something announces its presence. "Oh good," Daray murmurs, "maybe we'll have something to feed the squid on the way back up. Give me anything you want me to carry and let's go." B/ High-pitched call, could be echo-location, but more likely just a pack hunting signal. What kind of air-breathing creature could've been trapped down here?

SpoofAPP 1:19 AM A small group of lizalfos, now mutated because of the dark magic that overflows from every crack and brick in the underwater Yiga hideout, collapse over each other and stumble as they try to beat each other to the intruders. At this stage they're still a bit away - at least six to seven corridors - but their squeals and screams in hunger echo all that distance with ease.

ArtifaAPP 8:15 PM Artifa keeps her attention on her goal as the stone rolls away. The room itself fairly dry, though quickly filling with humidity with the moisture from outside it rolling in. She stepped inside, looking past other objects gathered in here for one in particular. She heads further inside, walking around with purpose, knowing the place inside and out. Approaching a shelf of sorts, she reached and grabbed an object, holding it in both hands. "This is it," she states. "And it should also assist in our escape from here..." She held it out towards Daray. "Striking this stone will activate this power. Due to its girth, one person needs to hold it. However, I should still be capable of holding my own despite my hands being burdened."

DarayAPP 9:06 PM Oo, new toy. "So you're saying now's a good time to unleash said power? Sounds fun." Daray grabs one of his kama and gives the stone in Artifa's hands a sharp rap with the handle. No sense risking an actual touch with some magical artifact he doesn't understand, even if Artifa seems confident about holding it.

ArtifaAPP 9:47 PM The stone flashes, its core shining with a blue light expanding outward from the stone and enveloping the room. All elements in the room are reverted back to their original placement as they were before Lake Hylia was submerged. Although, there are aspects that remain the same. The timeshift stone was not absolute, but it did have a great effect on object placement and timing on both living and non-living. "The stone's size limits the range of the time bubble we're in, so to speak."

Artifa hasn't forgotten about the lizalfos approaching them. "It should also help us evade these lizalfos. If they were not present when the timeshift was activated, they disappear when in the influence of the sphere and reappear back in their 'present time'. Given that we don't have much time to fight them off, this should speed us along well enough. Not much we can do about the squid. Its size is...much greater." Not that they still can't distract it somehow, but they may be able to narrow down some problems with these angry lizards.

SpoofAPP 4:58 AM As the lizalfos stumble and fall across each other on their way to the two intruders, they round the nearby corridor. One of the beasties catches sight of Artifa and Daray just as the male strikes the stone. From their perspective, the pair seem to just sort of... fade into obscurity. With a howl of rage that search the interior of the treasure room for the duo, though given they are in the 'present time'? They see absolutely no trace of them.

DarayAPP 10:50 PM Oh, the applications Daray could come up with for this little gem. +.+ Sneaking into places by being there before they were built...assassinating targets by making sure their parents never met...scouting dangerous areas by waiting to see if his future self comes back to tell him it's clear...the possibilities are endless.

...Which probably means there's some stupid limitation or scarcity problem, otherwise Artifa would've been making use of this a lot more. :stuck_out_tongue: Still. "Very nice," Daray murmurs. "Anything else we should grab while we're down here? Not a trip I care to make casually, after all."

ArtifaAPP 7:20 PM "I may have a few other things to grab, but what we can do is collect some of these tails from the lizalfos. If they happen to sweep back around, it may be good to have for bait for the squid." Artifa makes her way back out of the room and down the hall to the opening, She stops to think about anything else she may need from here. As it stands, this lab is completely gone in addition to her other. Sigh.

She moves onward to a separate part of the lab and into a more heavily ruined area. She filed away items here that likely had potential. Perhaps now may be the time for them or at least one of them. She'd rather not spend much more time than needed here.

Carefully navigating the area, she reached the room in all its collapsed glory. She was more than frustrated with the result, but there wasn't much that could be done. It seems something survived here, however. She lowered herself to the ground and reached forward to grab at a wooden object. She had to fuss with it to free it from the debris, but once she did, she gave it a good yank and pulled it towards her. A simple hooked cane in appearance, perhaps, but definitely filled with potential.

"I didn't think you'd be anymore more than just a simple display item, but it seems you're needed now," she twirled it casually in her hand. "I think we're done here. The lizalfos tails may provide us some leverage, but shouldn't be needed with this on hand."

SpoofAPP 4:43 AM Whatever it be that Artifa is planning, the lizalfos continue to prowl about. It's a good thing that the cane that she found is more useful than the tails, because they are just a little bit away. For the moment, anyway.

DarayAPP 6:27 PM Is Artifa talking to herself? She must be, because Daray's not with her. He positioned himself in a spot which became hidden by a pile of rubble when Artifa's time bubble departed. When the lizalfos pass by, Daray's kama slide noiselessly from his belt. Fun time. >)

A splattering sound is the first warning that something is amiss. By the time the first lizalfos's body hits the ground with its throat slit, Daray's second kama is swinging down hard at the head of his next target. "I don't expect you have much left of the little wits you had to begin with," Daray remarks to the rest. "Just in case you can understand me, though, take comfort in knowing your deaths will serve toward freeing your master."

SpoofAPP 4:28 AM As one lizalfos is expertly cut down, Daray naturally reveals his position to the others. As the tail of their comrade twitches on the ground, three of the humanoids round on the Yiga, while a fourth encroaches from his 'six' in the corridor. All have their scimitars out and are squealing their shrill cries. They start to move in for an offensive strike, before...

BOOM!

The entire hideout, or rather what's left of it, shakes. Not too dissimilar to an earthquake, the floor, walls and ceiling trembles violently, followed by the unnerving creak of the very foundations starting to stress and groan. The lizalfos stumble. Some even fall over. Fresh new leaks of water spout from some of the stone walls, pooling on the corridor floor.

Outside the Yiga hideout, the foul beasty known only as The Kraken thrashes its tendrils down upon the structure. While it had been distracted, its attention had been brought to the here and now when it felt the magical energies it guarded start to move about. Someone was robbing the place, and she wouldn't let them get away! With another thrash, another tendril swings down atop the ruined structure.

BOOM!

The interior of the structure rattles violently again, seemingly becoming more and more fragile with each passing moment.

ArtifaAPP 9:29 PM Artifa was certainly talking to herself. Habits of a researcher. She exits with the spoils in hand with enough time to witness the first death. "Seems they know where we are now," she took note of the cries and their speed in converging on their location. The staff in her hand was ready to be utilized, but not so soon, she was going to need it for the both of them to escape this place.

Aaand it seems the giant squid is seeing fit to bring this to pass. Ahead of schedule. "We have to leave now and leave them behind. Let's be on our way!" She called to Daray, motioning for him to follow her with the staff in her hand. "This will provide us protection from that angry beast outside, but it requires magic to use. I'd much rather spend it in defense out there than in here."

DarayAPP 10:14 PM Daray flicks the lizalfos tail up with his foot and stows it in his inventory. What? Everybody's got an inventory, right? It would get awfully inconvenient carrying around dozens of random objects like that otherwise. Just when things were starting to look like they were getting interesting, something much bigger than lizalfos takes over as the most pertinent threat. e.e Daray rolls with the shaking and slips past the staggered lizalfos to rejoin Artifa. "Whatever you say. It's your lab."

SpoofAPP 4:42 AM The Yiga hideout begins to collapse as the Kraken from outside crashes upon it with a fiery rage. With an eerie sounding howl the thing crashes one of its beasty tentacles into the roof for a fourth time, and in doing so? Caves the thing in! The interior crumbles under the weight of not only the onslaught, but the sheer pressure of the water that sits above it. Suddenly the corridors are flash flooding, the rapids they create washing whatever it is they meet asunder. The lizalfos are among some of the first to be collected, howling and screaming as they thrash to try and get clear.

Meanwhile, from outside the collapsing hideout? The Kraken waits...

ArtifaAPP 3:25 PM Was her lab...

Artifa doesn't waste much more time in sticking around. With a swing of the cane, a barrier of energy forms around the both of them. Locking the time shift stone carefully beneath her other arm, she takes a dive into the water, expecting Daray to follow. The Kraken may be waiting, but it will soon learn the mistake of attacking them. This mission had to be completed. History has mandated it and Artifa sought to see it through.

DarayAPP 10:38 PM Daray sticks close on Artifa's heels, almost literally. He can feel the thrashing of the water by her toes close to his face. A little kick in the nose would be a tiny injury indeed compared to what might happen if he falls behind her barrier. Fortunately there's not much question of where to swim this time -- just head straight up and figure out the rest once they're on the surface.

Torgem 11:00 PM As the pair dive out into the water and escape the collapsing hideout, they may just catch glimpse of something strange on the ocean floor. The pair were quite close to it, after all. Right there, standing on his two feet, is a very large goron sporting an even large backpack. Apparently unphased by the madness that is happening around him, he just stands there, surrounded by water as if he's taking a Sunday stroll. An idle wave from the goron is given to the pair of them before they swim further up. As they do, the darkness he stands within obscures him from further vision. Soon he vanishes from view.

Was that... real? Or just an illusion? ... oh well. He... probably knew what he was doing. Maybe.

SpoofAPP 11:04 PM You can bet your sweet bippy that the kraken takes a swipe at Artifa and Daray! As the great beasty swims and propels itself around the wreckage of the Yiga hideout, it spots the two thieves making off with what she deemed to be her treasures. There is a high pitched squeal that emanates from whatever mouth it has, before it begins to close in on the pair. All of its giant tentacles spread out wide, and begin to close in on the swimming humans as they try to surface in the water...

ArtifaAPP 3:04 AM Despite having a current advantage, the numerous amount of arms on this kraken are still overwhelming to look at converging on the shield. Still, at least all this confirms that it indeed was guarding her lab. Although, Artifa finds herself insulted that the creature is attacking her for a place that is hers to begin with and all objects that she found within it! Granted, she'll have to take it as a loss, but it may not be all bad. Utilizing this timeshift stone may circumvent those damages, but by only so much. She'd need a much larger one to revert that area back into its former self.

As the two proceed to surface the water and the tentacles drop down on the shield, they'd be met with an incredibly discomforting pain as it protects those within by damaging anything outside its influence. It won't last long, however. They'll still need to make it to the island and her magic reserves are beginning to run low. "...Was that a Goron underwater?" She inquired, her mind having completely snapped back to that image. Unrelated, yes, but surprising. "Maybe it's just a concentration sickness, but...it seemed so real." Why of all things would she imagine a Goron, anyway?

She ponders on this while she continues swimming, the island near at hand.

Torgem 4:25 AM Spoof:

The kraken recoils violently as the pain it feels from the timeshift stone being used. For a moment it recoils and wails, before it once again gives pursuit to the pair as they swim for the island.

aubrey:musical_note: 9:47 PM (As Daray) What is a 'bippy' anyway? e.ea Whatever it is, Daray probably wouldn't mind betting his, sweets are strongly discouraged in the Sheikah diet anyway. After surfacing, Daray takes a welcome breath and shakes the excess water from his head. "No, that's what it looked like to me too," he says, doing a crawl toward the island. "Let me take a turn with that cane, I do have some experience with magic."

ArtifaAPP 1:44 PM "You saw it," Artifa states with some surprise in response. She feels some mild comfort about it, but still finds disturbance that they've both seen it. "We're almost there," she focused back on their objective. "I'll hand you the cane. All you need do is channel your magic as soon as I drop mine." She holds the cane towards him to grasp. Once it was held, she gave the signal for Daray to draw on his magic as hers left.

SpoofAPP 4:43 AM The kraken begins to close in on the pair once more, forming a large silhouette of creepy darkness underneath the duo as they frantically swim for the only island within any sort of distance. As they splash and close in, those hunting tendrils begin to lift out of the water, for the first time becoming visible to those outside. The slimy, flesh-coloured appendages lift high, surrounding the duo, before beginning to arc down in an effort to crush Artifa and Daray!

DarayAPP 12:43 PM Daray takes the cane and...doesn't immediately activate it. See, he figures if Artifa, who has been doing magical research for years, gets tired by this thing so quickly, his own reserves are only going to last a few critical seconds. He's taking the calculated risk of saving that for when it's clearly needed. Plus I have the narrative advantage of having already read what the kraken's next attack looks like. "Wait for it..." Daray does a backstroke so that he can watch the tentacles hanging over them, then when their movement shows a decisive turn, he flourishes the cane. The shimmering barrier appears around him and Artifa again as the gigantic suckered appendages fall toward them.

ArtifaAPP 12:43 AM Sheikah training has taught Artifa to be calm under the most critical of circumstances, but it has not stated to outright abandon sensibility. She had thought her plan was well within the range of that, but it appears Daray had other ideas. There was no barrier! One tentacle was enough to shadow the both of them and having an increased number might as well have been like storm clouds in the sky. The writhing forms were easily visible all around and if they weren't seen, they were most certainly felt. Without the cane in her hand, all she could do was follow his direction now and with the tentacles closing in, she had, for a moment, thought that all her work would be for nothing. And yet, they would not have to feel the cold embrace of angered, screeching squid. No, instead, the distinct hum and shimmer of the barrier would assist in preventing that demise once again. "The island is well within our grasp, now. Let's be done with this!"

SpoofAPP 12:35 AM The barrier erected by Daray drains his magical stamina quickly - the expected affect occurring just as he thought it would. Fortunately for him, it only needs to stand tall for a moment - a precise moment - and that's exactly what he does. By 'threading the needle' in regards to timing, the kraken's tendrils strike against the barrier, sizzle and cause severe discomfort. With a haunting groan from the beasty beneath, the kraken withdraws again, pulling away its tentacles and retreating back into the depths of the lake. Large swells ripple as the great appendages splash back into the water at great force, enabling the pair of Yiga to perhaps even surf back to the island should they desire it!

...but they made it back. They were safe to hatch whatever plan is they wanted.

DarayAPP 3:21 PM Daray holds his breath and lets the surge carry him to land, digging his feet into the sand to remain there against the backwash. "Phew, that's a potent relic," he remarks, handing the cane back to Artifa. "I suppose most of the really useful toys take a commensurate toll." It's the way of the world, isn't it...everything is oddly balanced...like somebody designed it that way...

Daray sets about checking the boat they came in to make sure nothing's happened in their absence. "So then, what's out next step? If it can be undertaken here, that might be a good idea.  Our tentacled friend will likely take notice if we set out to sea again soon."

ArtifaAPP 7:29 PM If Artifa ever has to deal with a kraken again, it'll be too soon. The waves caused by the beast did provide the thrust needed to get back onto the island. Digging her feet and available hand into the ground, she stumbled up onto the shore. When she was certain she'd cleared enough distance, she sat down to recover her energy. "I suppose it was fated for me to endure that, but it was necessary for history to progress as it should." Looking into the timeshift stone before her, she began to consider what options to take next.

There were forces that seemed to be in opposition to Ganondorf, though she couldn't imagine why. "Still..." She had her task set before her. Ganondorf needed to be freed. She had to see how this played out. "We have what we've come for," she called out to Daray upon his approach. "I think that cane will be better used by you than it could me. You should keep it."

ArtifaAPP 7:37 PM She inhaled and proceeded to steady her breathing while thinking over their next steps. "Our next step is to find the location of the castle. It's all speculation, but this stone sort of acts as a portal in time. If I were to combine it with something that could create portals, then it's possible that we could potentially connect two places of time or dimensions." She explained. "At least, this is what my work has led me to believe so far."

DarayAPP 8:55 PM Daray quirks an eyebrow. "Really? All right then." He could argue that Artifa seems able to get a lot more out of the cane with her deeper magical reserves, but then, she also probably doesn't get into as many situations where a brief shot of invulnerability could come in handy as Daray does...and more importantly, Daray's not going to argue against getting a new toy. :P Selfish personal ethos again, although it could translate into handing the cane over again at some point if he judges it to be in his best long-term interest.

Daray looks out over the water. "I see. Insomuch as a layman to such matters can, of course.  Well, I suggest we make camp here for a bit in the hopes that creature forgets about us and/or the storm dies down some.  At the very least, I'd like us to be ready to use the cane again before we're back out on the open waters."

MajoraAPP 12:52 AM The storm does seem to abate a little, not due to any kraken or the artifacts retrieved from the lab, but due to a new presence of divine nature approaching the point of the Golden Goddesses’ work. Bravo, I’m quite jealous. If only my underlings put in as much work for me, I would likely be free from my prison already. But that is neither here nor there, I have come to bargain Artifa. You representing the Yiga clan, I representing myself, Majora Lord if the dark world.

I don’t think italics are working properly sorry
 * +1:

2

ArtifaAPP 5:32 PM Artifa was busy going over her own plans and determining how to execute them. She had an idea of how she wished to do it, drafting them out in her mind for lack of having any pen and paper to utilize. "...Hmm," she was taken from her thoughts to look upward. The storm seemed to calm unusually quickly. What she's greeted with is...something or perhaps, someone. "Bargain? What are you offering?" She wondered while adjusting herself to be seated upright.

DarayAPP 9:39 PM Daray glances up as an unfamiliar voice makes itself known. Sneaking up on a pair of Sheikah -- that takes either tremendous skill or magic. Looks like the latter is what's going on here, judging from the appearance of the being and his claim to a title similar to their own master's. e.e Daray chooses to remain a silent observer, seeing as Artifa was specifically addressed. This could be interesting, though.

MajoraAPP 9:13 AM The mask of the Dark God materializes before the two Yiga as the spirit of the deity within continues to speak into their minds. “It is to my understanding that you seek to resurrect the former Demon King, Ganondorf. I have no quarrel with that, as he has already used up his usefulness to me by providing the spirit of Demise, but he still does wield the Triforce of Power. As one of my sisters’ tools, putting that object back on the board shall require an exchange. You may resurrect Ganondorf and the Triforce of Power, in fact I shall help you do so, in return you will distribute these masks amongst your clan. Of course, after you do bring back your leige, you two will wear one yourselves.” As he mentions the masks in his deal, a large sack of them appears before the two. They seem to be replicas of the mask speaking them, but not containing any traceable magical energy.

ArtifaAPP 11:18 PM "Placing the object back on the board... What does this mean to me?" Artifa inquired, looking down at the sack placed before them. She didn't budge anywhere, but her attention was focused on her surroundings and the conversation. She reached inside the bag and looked the mask over. She didn't know what to make of it, honestly. It's not any mask that has appeared among the ranks of the Sheikah. She had to imagine there's a reason for that.

Setting it back in the the bag, she looked up towards the mask, waiting for its reply. "I've not known anyone to call themselves a relative of the goddesses. You must have some significance to use words like that so lightly."

MajoraAPP 11:54 PM Indeed, it appears my identity has been lost to most residents of Hyrule over the time of my absence. For proper introductions, I am Majora, God of darkness and chaos, creator of the dark world that your liege previously ruled. As for your other question, that was merely a chess metaphor, I do enjoy a good game every now and again, though my games aren’t usually chess. In any case, do we have a deal?

ArtifaAPP 12:54 AM Artifa was having difficulty with these associations, but the air and demeanor told her enough that this was the real deal. "I see..." she began. "And I understood the reference. What I am asking is what does it mean to me? That is to say, what is its significance. Am I to be the one to wield that power?" She wondered. She had never had any desire to hold the Triforce herself thinking it an impossibility, but she supposes there's always a way.

"...These masks. What do they do?" She drew her attention back to them.

MajoraAPP 11:22 AM “Oh no, the Triforce shall still be in the possession of Ganondorf upon his return to the mortal plane. I was saying that his ownership of the Triforce was the only reason I’m not assisting you free of charge. As for the replicas of my own image, nothing, at least until they are worn. See the fine print for further details.” In very small lettering of native dark world script, a message on each individual mask reads. “Ownership of this object will identify yourself as an ally of the forces of darkness. In addition, wearing this mask upon your face shall grant you access to a portion of the Dark God’s power. Should you ever use this power, you will maintain free will, but you will henceforth become unable to deny any direct order from the Dark God or Demon King until your time on the mortal plane comes to an end.”

ArtifaAPP 9:30 PM "Hmm," Artifa closed her eyes and gave pause to think. "I have no desire to be beholden to you," she outright spoke against the mask after observing the details. "I do not need the mask, however, I do imagine there are others who are more than willing to take up the task. Perhaps you should seek out some of the scattered Hylians. Among them should be people who seek enough power to follow through with this trade," she folded her arms. "Or even those of other races. The times are ripe for you to raise an army and enough wills are weakened to agree," she offered. "That much, I can tell you. Free of charge. Now, if you are familiar with any ancient wonders, i may be inclined to assist you. I search far and wide for artifacts from Hyrule's history and its associated lands."

MajoraAPP 11:26 PM Majora chuckles slightly in amusement before resuming conversation. “I believe you misunderstand, I do not require you to accept my power in exchange for servitude. I have merely asked you to distribute them, then wear them upon your persons. You see, I do not need an army, I simply need eyes and ears across this land. Of course, if anyone does accept the power, that will work out more in my favor, but being able to see through multiple eyes is rewarding enough. I mentioned before I enjoy games, this is just that, even those such as yourself who can resist the temptation of power may find themselves one day in need of some ... divine intervention. And they will know exactly where to find it, and at what cost.”

AritfaAPP 11:29 PM "I do not wish to wear the mask," Artifa stated plainly once again. "I may be inclined to distribute them if I am able to receive something in return. And that is a may." She readjusted her seating into a more meditative pose. "As stated before, I seek artifacts from Hyrule's history. Being that you are a god, you are likely aware of such items. I am looking for an object called a Beetle. If you know of it, let me know now."

MajoraAPP 11:43 PM “Hmm, do you truly wish for this object more than you seek the return of Ganondorf? That was the payment of my proposal, but I would be inclined to leave out the detail of you owning one yourself in exchange for the beetle. Know this though, there will surely be a steeper price for my assistance in your master’s return. While possible, you will find it very difficult to resurrect Ganondorf without my help.”

ArtifaAPP 12:46 AM "All will run its proper course in due time," Artifa explained. "I offered that I will distribute these masks as trade for information on the Beetle. Given that you desire these to be handed out, I can perform the task easily enough. Eyes and ears are something I can provide in exchange and that will make us even," she held up one of the masks once again, turning it back and forth in her hand. "What baffles me more is that you wish to see Ganondorf resurrected, but it seems you both do not align in goals. For example, the title of Demon King has always been his, but you use it as if it is separate. Why?"

MajoraAPP 1:06 AM “Excellent, the Beetle is yours.”  As the mask makes this statement, a tough beetle (how generous) appears before Artifa, nothing else is written or enchanted on this object other than the magic it uses to operate. “You are perceptive, the goals of Ganondorf Dragmire are indeed quite different from my own. However, you are misinformed of his former title. It is his no longer, and was not always his, I gave the kingship of the dark world to the first demon I created, called Demise. After Demise’s loss against the Hero of the Sky, he used the little power he had left to ensure his power would one day be reborn into a mortal man. I do not care if Dragmire is resurrected, for the spirit of Demise within him has already been passed to a worthy successor whose goals have remained true to their purpose. To the eradication of the mortal realm.”

ArtifaAPP 1:42 AM Artifa frowned just a bit at the tough beetle that was gifted to her. She was...miffed to say the least. Not ungrateful that she had it, but she had hoped to look further into wherever this was acquired from. It was mechanical genius and further, it wasn't even done by Sheikah. This implied there may yet be more to discover of Hyrule and whoever they may have been that created it. Still, to see all of her work disappear in a blink has flustered her somewhat. "I suppose a deal is a deal," she states while strapping the mechanism to her arm.

"I will distribute the masks, but I would like further information on where this was acquired," she pointed out the tough beetle. "And you speak of a history that is vaguely familiar to me," she began. "You are saying this Demise is the...original form of Ganondorf?" She wondered. "Then who is this new Demon King?"

MajoraAPP 9:10 AM “Very well, it does me no harm to give you more information on these matters. That particular beetle I summoned from very deep within the earth, from its second oldest layer the era of sky. I of course fixed it for you, as it had been rendered inoperable and crushed by pressure a long time ago. I believe the initial design were created by the autonomous beings inhabiting the lanayru region before the Demon War, and the rest of the modifications are Human tech. Yes, Human, as in the residents of Skyloft before the split between Hylian and Gerudo. As for Demise’s spirit, it now resides within my second creation Ghirahim, formerly Demise’s blade spirit and Demon Lord of his own right.

DarayAPP 10:19 PM Little problem with that 'eradication of the mortal realm' goal...we kinda live there. e.e Majora must be one of these beings so out of tune with corporeal psychology that he doesn't realize most people value their lives over just about anything else. Daray doesn't like the idea of even feeding information to this guy, especially about what the Yiga are up to; secrecy is their primary tool, after all. And he's sure that even if he and Artifa and maybe even the majority of the Yiga could resist ever making use of the mask's dark deal, some idiot will get into a pinch where they think it's their only option, and then it'll come back to bite the rest of them.

Of course, he can't say anything to that effect while in Majora's hearing. And if the masks really do feed back to him, even once he leaves it'll be ticklish to talk things over with Artifa. e.e;

ArtifaAPP 10:27 PM "Where might I find your newly appointed Demon King? If I am going to follow Hyrule's history, it would be fitting for me to make the connections that have helped shape its rises and downfalls," Artifa offered. "Not that I am not fascinated by the knowledge, but it has taken a position behind more important matters such as determining who claims the title now. That is more recent history. I will catalogue the rest of that for a later time," she explained. "But for now, given the Demon King works in your stead, it may also be in my interest to recognize this Ghirahim you speak of."

It'd certainly be a good place to start for her own ends. Knowing the who is who of all this is helpful to determining her next steps and perhaps furthering her own goals of digging up more of Hyrule's past.

MajoraAPP 10:59 PM “Well, given the circumstances, it is not likely you would ever reach his current location within Hyrule Castle. I can however, call him here for introductions. “Ghirahim.””

The Dark God calls out for his servant, expecting a response relatively soon. “There, he has been called. I must say though, it has been quite some time since I’ve found a mortal that values knowledge above service to a higher power, be that the divine or merely another mortal leader. Take it as a compliment, you’ve surprised me, Artifa. In any case while we wait, how about I share some information I believe you will find extremely interesting given your stated goals.”

ArtifaAPP 12:57 AM Artifa had been trying to navigate this field very carefully. It's not often you talk with a god and she supposes it was bound to happen. Hyrule's history is unfolding in ways she couldn't have possibly imagined. It's even managed to make her rethink some of her discoveries as she wonders just how closely intertwined this land is with others. It appears Time has managed to surprise her again, but she does have her own ideals. She certainly does wish to further her goals, but nothing is worth more than having a hand in shaping it yourself. That, she feels, is the greatest goal.

Although, there do appear to be some conflicts. All of her works are currently being threatened with these current prospects. With Ganondorf and by extension, Ganon having his title stripped, she sees that Hyrule appears to be bound for destruction and she can't have that. Indeed, self preservation can be and often is one of the stronger instincts and from what she's found in history, this would undo everything she's worked for and Hyrule itself.

"I appreciate your compliment. I consider my work greatly and will go to great lengths to see my labors come to fruition. But please, do share your information. It is welcomed, no, imperative for me to know. What I do not know directly affects how much I will be able to find. Breadcrumbs are not enough when I can have the whole loaf or perhaps even a meal at the table."

MajoraAPP 7:57 AM “Well spoken, though I have not the meal to give you, merely the recipe that I hope you will work to prepare. What you seek is known as the Hyrule Historia, a nearly complete record of all that has ever happened in this realm since its creation. Its current owner, and one of its co-authors, is the Picori sorcerer of winds Vaati. I cannot ensure he will help you, but seeing as neither of you seek the destruction of this world, it is possible. There is another thing I wish to say, but it’s a bit of a story if you have the time. I will say regarding this story, it is information only I and my sisters could ever tell, the one omission of the Historia.”

ArtifaAPP 11:15 PM Artifa hummed to herself. "It would certainly help, but unless it can tell me where these things are now it is of some use, but not much. I wish to hold them in my own hands and observe them, but perhaps that is too much to ask for now," she considered. "But it is important. I will not just push it aside without much more thought and anything I can know will be of good use. That all being said, what is this story that has been omitted?"

MajoraAPP 11:12 PM “It is a tale that was omitted for multiple reasons, chief of which, proof that we gods are capable of making mistakes. It is the story of how Hylia let her emotions rule over her wisdom, allowing a favored mortal to ascend to godhood, and how that man destroyed the natural balance of this universe. The story of how the self-isolated counterbalance to the light, became the Dark God Majora. In short, I mean to tell you why this world must be destroyed, so that this balance is restored.”

ArtifaAPP 9:39 PM Artifa could entertain these sorts of topics for hours at a time, days even if she was fully invested. She grabbed at a small bag on her person and drew the strings to open it. Reaching inside, she gathered up a couple of nutrient rich nubs of food and popped them into her mouth. She thinks she's going to need these now. "So, what is your tale?"

MajoraAPP 12:05 AM The Dark God starts his tale where all other stories do, at the beginning. “In a time before time, five beings of immense power and knowledge came into existence. Three goddesses of creation; Din, Nayru, and Farore; that balanced each other as a triangle of three. But the other two, Hylia and Majora, were direct opposites. Hylia served as the overseer of the world created by the three, and had dominion over the aspects of light, order, and time. As her opposite, my dominion was over darkness, chaos, and space; and while she was tasked as the overseer of the mortal realm, my task was to upkeep a parallel dimension you now call the dark world. Though my sisters three are goddesses over creation, something cannot come from nothing, the dark world balanced the one in which we now reside. If either were to fall, they both would, so I set upon my task without complaint as even though I could never directly interact with the mortals as Hylia could, I was content in watching the story unfold. Then mankind came. Unlike the other races before, they were far more curious, and far more questioning. The majority trusted and obeyed their goddess Hylia, but others could not help but trespass into my domain. I would have been delighted to converse with them, to possibly have the same relationship with them as my sister, but they came not for good things. Those who came sought after my power, believing that I as the “Evil” god, should be slain and my power taken and used for “Good”. Of course, I was forced to defend myself, and as a god easily slew my attackers. Yet, my actions apparently only reinforced their ideas of me being evil. Eventually, one man who secretly believed this lie achieved a greater relationship with Hylia than any mortal before, one could even say it was love. As to keep him with her forever, she made him a god, one with no title but immortal nonetheless. After his ascension, he sought me out to bring my armor as a gift to Hylia for giving him immortality. He did kill me, but failed to realize two things until it was too late. First, that a god never truly dies. Second, that instead of obtaining my power as his own, it would remain trapped within my dead body. Over time, this would have led to the world’s destruction, and when I would reawaken, a new one could be made. Instead of allowing the natural course, he fashioned masks out of the armor, and sealed my power as well as his own within them. In doing so, he hoped I would never break his seal, so the current world could live on. This man became known after this as the Fierce Deity, god of man and war. Hylia was recognized officially as the goddess for good and I the god for evil. Even to this day however, the idea of a good and evil is nonsense, I am not evil, nor is Hylia good. We are both no more than the two sides of the scales that balance the universe, good and evil are nothing more than the mortal idea of what is and is not right or acceptable. But if I needed to play the part of “the bad guy” to put things back to the way they should be, then so be it. And so, when I could finally come awake enough to use some of my power from within my prison, I began the Demon War. From there, the Historia records every important step in history, all while leaving out how everything truly began.”

ArtifaAPP 9:35 PM Artifa listened intently, taking in every word that was spoken and comparing it to what she'd found among her dig sites, dives and other archaeological studies. She can't find anything to refute what's being said, but she can't find anything to prove it either. She would just have to take notes and make comparisons later and perhaps looking into that Historia may be worth it, after all. It may reveal some items she's yet to discover.

"You're implying you've been erased from historical records..." She summarized. At least, that's how she saw it. Not that she didn't understand. "And that being scrubbed has warped the perception of who and or what you are. For someone like myself, a firsthand account is not often found and has much value and gives me a focal point to look into with greater scrutiny for Hyrule's beginnings. However, I believe I have a task to perform," she gestured to the bag of masks. "I will need to rest in order to place effort into distributing them as you have requested."

MajoraAPP 9:50 AM “Of course, take all the time you need. I am in no hurry, though I have not forgotten about your request to meet with Ghirahim. He should be along eventually, in the meantime, if you still wish to revive Ganondorf I remind you it will be difficult without my assistance. I believe you know how to get in touch should you ever need to, ciao’.” Majora’s Mask vanishes, leaving the two Yiga relatively alone.

DarayAPP 11:02 PM Daray figures there were some lies in Majora's account. He assumes that everybody lies. Why wouldn't they? Information is useful, so giving information to other people is giving them an advantage. Of course, if you never give other people truthful information, they tend not to engage in the talking game with you, which means you don't get as much information. A skilled player tries to feed others information that is truthful, but not so useful (especially against themself) amidst information that is false and confers advantage to the giver if believed, while simultaneously winnowing the information being fed to them and even seeking meta-information, like what the lies involved indicate about the other player's goals. Of course, with Majora's story having to do with events that supposedly started before mankind even existed, it's hard to pick out what may or may not be true.

Daray casually strolls along the edge of the little island. "Well, that was an interesting encounter. What's that new toy on your wrist do?" Once he's past the periphery of the mask Artifa is holding, he signals to her in the Sheikah sign language (why yes, of course that's a thing, why wouldn't it be? <.< >.>). 'PUT IT AWAY' There's no guarantee the mask actually 'sees' through just its eyeholes considering it's just a (magic) piece of wood, and for that matter the whole sackful might be spying on them straight through the cloth, but there's no sense in letting what-ifs entirely shut down communication.

ArtifaAPP 1:01 AM Artifa took some time to decompress as she sorted through all the information she received. Supposedly. She honestly couldn't compile it all together until she had time to piece the accounts together with what she's found so far. Given that her works have been greatly threatened, she'll be set back, but she does have enough knowledge to work with to be of some use for now.

"I would imagine so with gods or ones that call themselves one," Artifa states with some amusement in her tone. "It's not every day you are able to speak with one. I can't imagine with the goddesses would have to say at the moment." She paused briefly to admire their work here and beyond. She did get the message and placed the mask away, drawing the strings of the bag tightly closed and tying it up to set aside. She stands up and walks over to Daray to keep the conversation more carefully contained. "This," she held up her arm. "Is something from an era long past. It is called a Beetle. It's primary usage was to retrieve tools, items, and otherwise unreachable objects within its threshold to carry. However, it has other uses outside of this, being that it is a guided object or at least, this is what I have surmised from my work."

Turning away, she took aim away from Daray and fired it off, watching the mechanical creature take flight, ticking its way along in the air. She used the wristband left on her arm to guide it around and circle back towards her, alighting back on its launcher. "The construction on this one is far different than etchings I've found of it. I don't know if they are the same or different, but they appear to have the same functionality."

DarayAPP 9:22 AM Daray watches the metal bug humming about the sky. "Impressive. If only we had some sort of magical eye to attach to it, that would make an excellent scouting tool.  A bit noisy, unfortunately." Daray finds a relatively flat stretch of ground and lays out on it. "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm long overdue for some sleep. Wake me if any more divine beings drop in." With that, Daray closes his eyes and shuts out the world...as much as a Sheikah ever does, of course.