Lost In Termina ch7

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Chapter 7
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DAWN OF THE THIRD DAY
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Deku in the big Town.
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The sun had peeked over the sky as early morning woke the land. Wait, morning? You bet it was morning! And by now, Iris, Jace, and Skits had been making their way through the fields. They were resting, drop-dead tired, out in the fields of Termina to catch their breath.
"Oh my gosh..." Iris complained, laying down on the grass. "Why does it feel like we spent all night trying to get out of there?"
Jace leaned on a small tree. "Because we did spend all night trying to get out of there..."
Skits was laying over Iris as he sighed.
"Let's not go through there again, please." Iris finished.
Jace nodded. "I guess I didn't remember my way as well as I was hoping."

Iris sat up and groaned. She looked out across the field, and she saw Clocktown from afar.
Jace spoke, "We should keep moving I guess. We can take our rest at the Inn in Clocktown."
Iris stood up wearily. "Okay..."
Skits flew above them both as he played around in the open field's clean air. Iris was used to walking long distances for long periods of time, due to walking back and forth from her forest home to Castle Town, but the fact that she'd been walking on and off all night, made her even more so weary. She wasn't really sure how Jace did that without having the need to complain. But he had explained before that he constantly travels, so she guesses he's just naturally used to a lot of activity.

They eventually reached the road that lead through the gates of town! Her first steps inside town, and at the first sight of all the people in the bustling place, made her hide behind Jace. Skits remained in the air, not wanting any of that for sure. Iris wasn't used to just walking into a populated place without being on guard. Back in Hyrule, she had to be careful around the Hylians- Or Terminians in this case- as everyone had always kept their eye on the so-called, Trickster Deku.
Jace just looked back at her. Iris peeked out and looked around. Hardly anyone paid attention to them. A few people gave Jace a few weird looks, but no one seemed to have any wish of harming them. A few even passed by aw'ing at the small scrubs.
"Don't be scared." Jace spoke softly, "It's not like anyone's going to hurt you or something."
Iris slowly walked out from behind him and took in the sights. People were even watching where they were going in order to avoid stepping on them. She felt noticed by them for once, and it not be threatening.

High up in the center of the town, stood the marvelously large clock tower in all its glory. There seemed to be a tall-built platform that connected to the clock tower's high gates. Construction was still taking place, as everyone rushed to finish before night time fell. People all around looked quite dressy. A lot of the women wore gorgeous dresses and masks, and some families were still finishing their shopping for the Carnival. Dancers practiced for later performances, as well as people just showing off their talents. Iris felt so small looking at it all, but at the same time, felt like a big part of it.
"Wow!" She suddenly exclaimed. It didn't take long for her to start roaming around and looking at stands and shops, as well as watching the dancers and performers in awe. Jace still stood at the entrance and watched her. He began forward again with a smile.
"This is so beautiful- OH! That's amazing~! OH my gosh, look at this-!" She continued on.
Jace laughed, "What happened to being tired?"
"I am tired, it's just- OH WOW! Look at those!" She never finished her reply to Jace's question, as she ran off elsewhere.
The blond boy just chuckled and looked to the airborne Skits and said, "It'll take a while just getting her to the Inn."
Skits, for once, agreed with him.
Iris looked high above her. Not only were there Terminians, but zoras and gorons as well. And even a few deku scrubs. Some deku were very little as they held their parent's hands. Some were just young couples in hopes of having a good time. Iris giggled, "This place is amazing!"

Iris soon turned, and saw what looked like a skeletal fish in her face. This threw her into a panicked squeak and she jolted back, before darting away! She ran back to Jace and hid. The young lad looked forward and spotted a group of zora walking toward them- one being the owner of the item that scared Iris. At that moment, excitement overwhelmed him. "It's you guys!"

"Didn't mean to give ya' girlfriend a fright." A zora spoke with a chuckle.
Iris peeked out to glare at the tall zora. What she saw before was actually a guitar. She sighed.
"You're the Indigo-Go's!" Jace replied, "You don't happen to be the son of Lulu, do you!?"
The zora nodded with a half smile. "You bet."
"Sweet mother of the gods, I'm a big fan of you guys!" Jace laughed. "I'm excited to hear you play! I heard you and your sister took Lulu's place as lead singers."
A girl zora, who was a little younger, nodded. "Yep, it's so awesome to meet a fan of our mother's!"
"Wait a second." The drummer came up to the front, and he bent down and looked the two deku scrubs in the face closely. Iris leaned back with her eyes wide.
"You are those deku who were seen at Great Bay!" The drummer added.
Jace paused his fanboying to tilt his head and raise a brow. "Huh?"
"Lulu told me about you guys. There is no way y'all could've taken on those monsters!" The drummer seemed as excited as Jace was earlier. "Quite an act, saving our homes like that!"
Lulu's son grew wide eyed. "You two!?"
"Three." Iris spoke, pointing at Skits.
Jace and Iris were starting to feel like the famous ones, as the band all began to talk to them. Jace waved his hands... "It was nothing really."
The male singer bent down to Jace's level. "It wasn't nothing, you did us a great favor back there... While we were up here rehearsing all safe and sound, our families at Great Bay were suffering. We should've been down there helping... We owe you guys a lot of thanks!"
"I definitely do, seeing as I was one of the many stuck down there..." The drummer added. "I was so sick, I never did get to tell you thanks! I just got here today, and I'm feeling so much better now that the ocean is pure again."

Iris' face flushed, and didn't really know what to say.
"It was our pleasure." Jace scratched his head, feeling overwhelmed to be thanked by his favorite band. It was a lot to take in.
The male singer sighed and stood. "Well, as much as I hate saying it, we need to go. We got a rehearsal soon, seeing as the band's playing tonight at the Milk Bar."
"The famous life sounds busy." Jace replied. "I understand."
"Will we be seeing you three there?" He added.
Jace laughed, waving his hands. "We've got some thing's to tend too. And if we can make it, I don't know if they'll let us in. Underaged and all. I'm only sixteen, and she is... Uh?"
"Heh, sixteen." she chirped.
"We're both too young." Jace finished.

The male singer chuckled. "Just tell us your names, and we'll tell them to let you in. Invitation's on us."
Jace pointed to himself. "If that's the case, I'm Jace. And this is Iris-" He added, pointing to Iris. He then pointed to Skits. "And Skits. I don't know if they'd let a bird in, though."
Skits simply glared at Jace.
"Not a problem." The singer replied, "Good luck you three." They all turned, and continued on.
Jace waved. "Heh, see ya'!"
Iris laughed at Jace's excited expression.
"I cannot believe that just happened!" Jace laughed, looking back at Iris. "We have to make it tonight!!"
"Careful, don't have a heart attack." Iris teased.

Jace sighed, "What do you say we pay the Inn a visit, though? I'm so thirsty right now..."
"Yes, I couldn't agree more!" Iris managed to pull herself from the still wonderful surroundings.
Jace took a step forward, and he lead Iris and Skits through the crowds and up a stairway around the clock tower. Iris continued to glance in different directions, as something new would constantly catch her curious eyes. They eventually reached another part of Clocktown. The first thing they saw was the Inn. Jace looked back at Iris, who was slowly trailing off to look at yet something else. Jace smiled as he leaned over, grabbed her hand, and pulled her back gently. "We have plenty of time to look around later, none of this is going anywhere."
Iris nodded. "Okay."
"C'mon." He reached up and turned the Stock-Pot Inn's door knob and held the door open for Iris. She walked in slowly and cautiously with Skits hopping close behind.

There were people all over. Most of them looked like they were waiting to rent a room.
"Hey, Miss Anju!" Jace called, waving his hand below the small crowd. An older lady leaned over from behind the counter to meet eyes with the teens who'd just walked in. She smiled, "Hold on a second, I'll be with you soon." She looked back at her customers, and she handed a family a room key. They left and headed upstairs. The elderly lady known as Anju leaned on the counter to look down at Iris and Jace. "You coming to see the Carnival this year too, Jace?"
Jace nodded assuringly. "If I can, yes. Things are a little busy for me right now, but I'm hoping I won't have to miss the first night. Those are always the best!"
"Who's your lady friend?" Anju asked.
Jace knew how she was with people, so he answered for her. "Iris. She's never been here before, so I figured while we were headed this way we might as well stick around to see the Carnival." Jace responded. "We're sort of traveling together right now. It's a long story."
"Well, I hope you enjoy your time here, Iris! It's always nice to see a new face." Anju put some papers in a pile on the desk to get them out of the way. "Is there anything you two need?"
Skits was a little irritated that, again, no one noticed him.
"We could use a drink if you don't mind Miss Anju?" Jace replied.
Anju smiled warmly. "Coming up."
"Three, uh, please." Iris chirped. Anju turned back to her.
"For Skits please." Iris finished, pointing to the black bird next to her foot. Anju smiled and nodded, before walking back to the kitchen.
"You really don't need to be so nervous." Jace told her.
Iris scratched her head. "I-I know. I'm just not used to this."

Iris looked back, seeing a sofa and a few benches next to the wall. Jace walked back to them and sat on a bench.
"Finally, some peace." He leaned back, before movement caught his eye. He looked over as Iris laid down on the sofa, and she sighed. She was leaning on the arm of the sofa, but began to slowly slide until she was laying down completely. Jace laughed humorously. "You comfy over there?"
"...I don't think comfy fits the description..." She responded in a lightened tone. "I might as well be laying on a cloud..."
Jace really couldn't help but laugh softly at her, you could tell she'd never laid on a sofa before. It was kinda' sad if that was the case, but cute seeing her reaction to it.
Anju slowly came walking into the room holding two bottles and a small saucer of water. She leaned down and handed one to Jace. She looked at Iris, and Iris returned the look. As much as she didn't want too, she sat back up.
Anju giggled, "Here you go."
Iris hesitated, but reached up and gently took the bottle. Anju sat the saucer down for Skits soon after, who immediately began drinking the water.
Jace lowered the bottle from his snout and looked to Anju. "Thank you."
Iris soon repeated shyly, "Thanks."
"You're very welcome." Anju smiled then walked off.

Iris sighed. "I need to live in a place like this." She laughed.
"Hmm… Well, you could." Jace joked.
Iris looked to him, understanding where he was going with that. "Don't even think for a second that I'd stay."
"It was worth a try." He soon replied with a laugh, before putting the bottle back to his snout.
Iris lifted the bottle to her snout and took a drink. The heavily richness of the milk... "That feels better... I feel like I've got more energy already."
Skits nodded, and sat on the cool floor.
"Do remember, we still have to look for the fairy. So we can't waste too much time relaxing." Jace reminded.
Iris sighed. "I know."
"What confuses me, though, is if the fairy is gone... Wouldn't there be some kind of news on it? I mean, her fountain sits in North Clocktown, someone would've seen the dragalfos. They're not exactly hard to notice." Jace pondered.
Iris shrugged. "Who knows. They're not very bright though, so you've got a point. Maybe they never got to her yet?"
Jace shook his head. "Well, that's likely, but still..."

Iris was lounged back on the sofa, holding a now near empty bottle. She was staring at the odd clock on the wall. She felt a little dumb asking this question. "Hey, uh? What time does that say?" She asked Jace.
Jace looked up at the clock and replied "six fifteen am. Why?"
Iris responded. "Just curious. I've never seen a clock like that before."
"You've got a lot to learn about Termina." He chuckled, before getting up off the bench. "With that said, let's get this day started. If you were interested in what you've seen in town so far, you'll love seeing the rest."
Iris felt a little lazy after laying there on that sofa, but managed to get up and jump off.
Jace walked up to the counter, which he could just barely see on top of. He sat the bottles and saucer on the counter. "Thank you, miss Anju. I guess we're going to go."
"Alright, come by again if you need anything." Anju smiled, lifting the dishes.
Jace smiled. "Will do, Ma'am."
Skits flew to Iris and landed on her head. Anju waved Iris bye, of which Iris gave a low shy wave back, before going out the door that Jace was holding open.

Jace closed the door and followed whilse Iris walked to the center of East Clocktown. She looked around, then put her attention back on Jace. "There sure are a lot of people."
"The Carnival is huge, it spreads all across Termina. Other races have their own versions of the Carnival, too. But Clocktown's the best place for it I think."
Iris blinked. "Even the deku kingdom?"
Jace nodded. "Yep, it's mostly just dancing out there though. Here, there's all sorts of things to do. Which is why I prefer spending the days of the Carnival here. I usually stay at the Stock-Pot Inn during then."
"So that's why there were decorations up all over the deku village." Iris replied.
"So you noticed?" Jace spoke. "But yes, it is."

Skits looked around at the high decorations hanging from the light post Iris stood next to. Jace gave a bit of a smirk. "There's some cool places here. We're not going to see them just standing around, though. C'mon! I'll show ya'!" Jace began walking away as he motioned his hand to Iris to follow. She blinked, then smiled in excitement. She soon ran after, Skits nearly fell off her head by how fast she took off. He jumped into the air again to keep up.
Jace lead her to a flight of steps that lead up hill next to the Inn. At the top was a smaller square area. Posters were up everywhere, and what looked like a closed off alley. And the first thing she saw up here in this area was a door with a sign above it on a large house. It was written in Terminian however, just like everything else. Iris looked around, then down a street that lead to another portion of Clocktown. "Let's go there!" She never gave Jace the chance to even reply and took off not even a second after she'd spoke. Jace went chasing after her in a hurry.

Iris slowed down to face North Clocktown. Her bright glowing orbs examined everything in wonder. It was beautiful part of Clocktown. The whole place was big and grassy, with a trail that lead through the center. The trail eventually separated into three directions. Outside Clocktown, up a hill to a cave, and to what looked to be another part of Clocktown. The curious deku girl glanced off the trail, seeing a large slide. It looked quite old, but there were other things too that looked a lot newer. Swings hung from the large tree that was growing near the playground. She'd never seen anything like the other parts of the playground, though. This was probably the emptiest, yet, most relaxing part of Clocktown she'd seen so far. What she and Jace hadn't quite noticed though were the faintly wilting plants in this part of Clocktown. She walked down the trail, before turning into another part of Clocktown.

It lead back to South Clocktown next to the clock tower. She once again faced excitement, as she looked from place to place trying to figure where she'd go next.
Jace looked up at a sign that was a map of Clocktown. "Y'know? I think we should check ou- WHOA!" He exclaimed. She grabbed his arm and ran down the steps and toward the marketplace in West Clocktown.
"C'mon!" She giggled in haste. She nearly dragged him, his feet stumbling to keep up! He had a hard time staying in pace with her while she held his arm. Skits was laughing at Jace as the black bird flew above. Jace really didn't seem to mind, but it caught him by surprise.
Iris let go and came to an immediate stop when she reached the center of the marketplace. Jace bumped into her from behind, thanks to giving no warning of stopping. Iris gave an "Oof!", then looked back at him.
"Sorry." He chuckled.
"Eh." She said, before turning back to the many shops and people. It was crowded here. She pushed ahead, walking around people as they walked in and out of shops.

Iris approached one of them, which happened to be the same one Jace visited on the first day he'd met Iris. She barely stood tall enough to peek onto the counter top that was lined with all sorts of gems and jewelry. Foreign beauties she'd never seen before littered every inch of the shop. She wowed under her breath, standing below the other Terminians.
Jace pushed his way through, and stood next to Iris.
"These are all so beautiful!" Iris commented, looking at her reflection in the closest one.
Jace just smiled, before having the feeling of someone watching him. He looked up at the shopkeeper, who apparently recognized him as the one who bought the Moon's Tear off of her a few days ago. She glanced down at Iris, before winking at Jace. The blond boy just gave a kind look. He honestly had no idea why she winked, but he winked back anyway. He'd guessed maybe it was because she knew him. The shopkeeper turned back to a customer afterward.

There was a lot more here than before. Jace looked to Iris and whispered, "_{Don't you think of taking anything, got it?}"
Iris looked to Jace. "_{I'm tempted, but okay.}" She gave a light chuckle before looking to a large sapphire. "A sapphire. Those are so hard to come across where I come from, they're so pretty." She sighed.
She looked up and saw a picture of something else that looked like a sapphire, but it was shaped like a tear. Her eyes lit up once she'd laid them on the picture, and she'd instantly fallen in love with it. She looked around the table as high as she could, but this one was gone. Iris looked a little down at this. She didn't know that the Terminian writing on the picture read "SOLD". It happened to be the same one Jace had in his bag right now. He jumped when this apparent fact had slapped him in the face. He'd realized the one thing she truly seemed to have interest in above all else in front of her, he'd had all this time.

"Were you wanting that?" Jace suddenly asked, pointing at the picture of the Moon's Tear.
She looked to him, before looking up to the image again. She then nodded slowly before taking a deep breath. "It's gorgeous, I've never seen anything like that before... Some bum already got to it, though."
'That bum is standing right next to you.' He thought. He laughed, "Well, I'm sure that bum had his reasons. And probably has plans for it. If he's lucky, he's going give it to someone special."
"Eh, perhaps." Iris replied with a pause. "Oh well..." Iris sighed, before leaving the table, still seeming a bit disappointed.
Jace rotated his bag to the front of him and looked into it. There it was, sitting at the bottom of the rucksack. He turned his back to Iris as she examined another shop table. He then looked to the tear-shaped sapphire and picked it up, before wrapping it in a cloth that was in the rucksack. "_{I definitely don't want this getting broken now...}" He spoke to himself with a soft smile. "_{Wait till she finds out I've had it all this time...}"
He put it back in his rucksack and closed it up. He then swung the bag around him again and turned to Iris and approached her.
She gazed at him. "What's with that smug smile?" She asked.
He looked to her with a kind tone. "Nothing much, just thinking of something."
The deku girl shrugged, and looked back at the foreign objects goodies from different stands.
He gazed above, watching Skits perch on the centering poll, watching Iris.

Iris gave an "Ew." expression to some of the food that was out for sale.
Jace laughed, "I think only a goron would eat that."
"One would think." Iris added. "Unless you've got teeth of steel."
"Yeah, really." Jace threw in. They both laughed and they walked away from the table.
Iris spent most of her time dragging Jace around Clocktown, asking about this and that, and wanting everything that had a glow or shine. Jace eventually was given the chance to go somewhere he wanted to go to- which was the town Shooting gallery. Iris was given a bow, of which she had no idea how to use. Jace being Jace, went out of his way to help her, losing his 20 rupee-worth shot at a target.

The man running the place kept giving Skits odd looks, seeing as there was a sign on the front of the building that said no pets. Iris kept telling the man that he wasn't a pet, and eventually grudgingly let her take him in. Skits was hiding behind Iris' leg, gawking out at the man.
"Okay, Iris." Jace began, "You're supposed to hold it like this." He'd spoken like he'd already told her once, but with a kind sincerity in his voice. He was standing behind her from the side while he was positioning her hands and fixing the arrow in the small bow. Her face flushed lightly when Jace came closer and leaned in to level the arrow straight, their heads pushed together. She found it irritating how he'd just get close like that without warning. One of her thick leafy bangs brushed across his face, moving the larger leaf in front of his right eye away slightly. She spotted something under the leaf that looked like a scar by his eye, but paid no true interest in it and figured it was from one of his older fights.
"Just aim it-" He'd cut himself off while helping her aim it. She snapped back to reality, and threw her gaze at the target. "Now, let go."
Jace moved his hand. She then let it go and watched the arrow soar through the air. The arrow missed the target, but it was still pretty close.

He crossed his arms. "Better than my first shot." Jace laughed. "I took out a window when I had used a bow and arrow for the first time."
"Only reason I didn't is because you were the one who aimed it." Iris replied.
"Maybe, but you still kept a straight hold even when I let go." Jace added. "I myself am still learning about archery, so you won't learn much from me."
Iris was aware that she had one more shot. Jace was about to come back to her if she needed his help, but she stopped him. "I can do it this time, okay?"
Jace nodded and backed away. Iris was holding the bow right this time, and had even held the arrow at a straight level. But she was shaky while holding it. She then let it go, and the arrow zipped by. She tried aiming for a target in the corner, but it wound up hitting the floor. The arrow piece had broke off and went sliding over to Iris' foot.
"Well, I thought I could." She added. "I even broke the arrow. I'm awful at this."
"Eh, you just need more practice." The blond boy answered, Jace whispered to her. "_{That, and the arrows here aren't that good... They buy the el-cheapos. They always break anyway.}" He looked back at the man running the counter, who had his eyebrow raised at Jace. This caused Iris to chortle to herself.


It was hours later after coming out of another game corner. Iris and Jace were laughing hard, with Skits sitting on Iris' head smiling.
"Did you see the look on that guy's face!?" Iris cracked up. She'd been laughing so hard that she was brought to tears.
Jace tried to bring a pause to his laugh. "I know!"
"He thought that bombchu w-was going to b-blow him sky high! Good thing it was a dud!" Iris wiped her face, and sighed. "This place is awesome."
"And you were telling me that Termina was awful a while back!" Jace's laugh faded to a chuckle. He'd never seen her so happy before.
Iris scoffed. "I never said that I liked it here."
"You didn't have too." He added teasingly.
Iris changed the subject, "Hey, why don't we try that Treasure Chest place?"
The blond boy merely smiled, "It'd be fun, but we need to be checking up on the fairy. We can do that later..."
"Okay, lead the way." Iris responded. She didn't seem as excited, but knew it was what they had mainly come to Clocktown for in the first place.

Jace did so and he lead Iris to North Clocktown where the playground was. Jace had eventually lead her up to the tunnel way that was up hill across from the way they came in. You could tell no one came in often. Jace wasn't surprised to see the place torn apart once they did step in.
"Yep, they were here..." Jace sighed.
Iris' leaves dropped and she looked around. "How'd no one notice them come in, though? The town is full of people!"
"I'm afraid that's something even I can't answer..." Jace responded. He walked around the circular room, and eventually caught sight of a hole in the ground. He gasped, nearly falling into it. "I think I found out how they got in..." he glimpsed off towards some movement. "Wait... Did you see that?"
Shivers went up Iris' back when she saw something as well. "Do I want to say I did?"
A pair of glowing eyes slit open to look in her direction from another corner of the room. Her leaves all twitched upon looking into the deep red eyes in the dark. They soon disappeared once spotted.
"I think we should go." Iris turned to Jace and warned.
"What was that?" He whipped his head at Iris, eyes wide in surprise!
Iris stared at him. "What?"
When something wrapped around her, she gave a high-pitched squeak in heavy shock and she'd jumped and ran off toward Jace, pushing the object that wrapped around her away. It felt furry.
Jace looked a bit reached for his bag, preparing to take out a knife. But after taking a good look, his formed eased and he chuckled softly.

A large silverish fox stood in Iris' old place, its night-sky blue tipped nine tails whipped lightly through the air. Its eyes were shut now to slits, though it could still see them oddly enough.
"Don't be scared, Iris." It spoke.
Iris was even more creeped out that it could talk- and knew her name! "Wh-who are you!? Do you work with the dragalfos!?"
Jace gave a light hearted chuckle. "It's okay, it's just a keaton."
"Keaton?" Iris asked.

The keaton walked toward them sniffing the air. He then looked into their eyes. "I was expecting you to come, young deku scrubs."
"Are you the keaton that was rumored to have lived near the playground?" Jace asked.
It nodded. "Well, I'm one of them. I am Silver Keaton. I was told by the Great Fairy that I should meet you here. And my-my-my! Quite a surprising pair I have met!"
Iris blinked "Fairy of Clocktown?"
The kind silver beast smiled, as he flashed its sharp teeth, which Iris couldn't help but feel threatened by. "Yes, the Great fairy of Magic. I am a messenger of the great forces of old. I am ehh... Also the errand boy of the fairies, you see."
Jace crossed his arms. "Why'd she ask you to meet us here?"
"She said one of the sisters had chosen you both to help save Termina. And for me to warn you both that you have a target on your backs... The dragalfos are after you after what you both did at Great Bay."
Iris gulped. However, Jace felt suspicious... The fox knew a lot, so this could go both ways.
"She asked me to aid you-" the fox disappeared in a puff of smoke, before appearing behind them, and continued "-With my skills."
Iris gave a short "Yipe!" at him, rolling her arms back!
The keaton gave a fun chuckle. "It'll be fun but dangerous. Haven't seen any action in fifty years, it's about time."

Jace smiled. "Well, I guess we'll need to be extra careful then, huh? I'm all for it!"
Iris and Skits glared at him like he was crazy, then Iris sighed. "And my day just got crazy again..."





To Be Continued...