The groups both entered the room. The flames that flickered from the torches set light and shadow in an intricate dance that spanned the room.

Darkin turned and noticed the three departed members reconvening with the party. "Sovelis, Kasei, Xanatos. Good to see you're unharmed, though I expected no less." He smiled before turning his eyes ahead. The room was long, and lined with torches that extended all the way down to a couple more rooms.

Darkin motioned for them to follow, taking point once again. The room was dead silent save for the crackling of the torches, and the group's footsteps which reverberated off of the cavern walls. Before they could decide which room to enter however, a figure emerged from the right room.

He was old and grayed, and walked with a cane. He wore cloth the draped over his shoulder and along his body. He walked barefoot, his feet more like large callouses than anything else. His cane hit the ground every second or so, echoing loudly throughout the room. His old eyes met the group and he stopped, his eyes stopping as they met Darkin. He stared at the Rito for several seconds before looking over the rest of the crowd.

A silence hung in the air before he spoke.

"You're too late."

His voice was old and withered, much unlike Darkin remembered. Age had hit him hard. Katsuro's eyes widened, but before he could speak, Darkin placed a feathered hand against his chest, restraining him for the moment.

"Great Shaman. We've come far for information. It appears you've already figured us out." He smiled awkwardly, "You're still sharp as a tack." He finished before moving forward.

"Please. Any information you can give us... We'd be grateful."

The man sighed deeply and turned to walk away. Darkin turned to look at the party, unsure of what to do. He turned back to see the man waving for them to follow. Katsuro jogged after the man, the first into the room. Darkin hurriedly caught up to him, and disappeared into the next room.

The next room was rather small, but cozy. There was a bed, a shelf, a chair next to a fireplace, and a plush rug underneath it all. He sat down in his chair, and placed his cane in his lap, motioning for them all to take a seat on the rug.

Katsuro sat down cross-legged, and Darkin followed suit. The rug was undeniably the most comfortable rug the pair had ever sat on. Katsuro poked at the rug a couple of times as the party took their seat. The man cleared his throat.

"Ahem. Apologies for the seating arrangements. It isn't often I have guests- in fact, I've had more guests these past two months than I have in nearly a decade. A whole lot of you made it through this time..." He looked over the group.

"Only the strong survive." He stated, and paused for a moment to let it sink in. "You've earned passage," he started, "So I'll tell you about your friend Dogura." He closed his eyes end began recanting the tale.

"He sought me out after so many years. I was rather touched he'd remembered me... You too, Darkin... However the nature of your visits then and now concern me deeply. You see... Dogura boy sought me out this time to ask my advice on a sensitive subject. He swore me to secrecy, and I understand privacy more than most, as you can well imagine. I cannot divulge the reasons for his finding me- however, I will tell you this..." He paused before opening his eyes and looking the crew over one final time.

"You've everything to gain from seeking him out. The heart of a good man still beats in his chest, but it's become overwhelmed by Ganon. He fears there is no escape for him... He fears that he cannot atone for the things he's done. He fears... That forgiveness is not an option for him."

Katsuro felt his heart ache inside. "Dad..." He gripped his own chest.

The shaman continued.

"He was set with a task that he cannot refuse. Ganon's ultimate order...

He was ordered to ascend to the Sacred Realm, and slay the White Wing Order at its source."

Darkin and Katsuro's eyes widened with horror. Darkin stood up, "Impossible! This... How could... You lie!"

The shaman nodded his head, "Indeed, I wish it were untrue. But According to Dogura boy, Ganon not only has the will to send someone to the sacred realm, but the means as well. He claimed that it could be done only once, and that he had been selected as the strongest reaper... What a mess. In any case, he didn't tell me much more than that. It is Ganon's first and most crucial step in taking over Hyrule forever."

"Destroying the angels..." Darkin fell back on his hands and sighed deeply. "What a mission... It isn't possible... Is it?"

The man shook his head solemnly, "I'm certain it is possible. However, for just one man? There is no better candidate than Dogura Shadowclaw... Ganon chose his champion wisely. I'd say the samurai has about a 50% chance of victory. His power is overwhelming now that he had fully submitted to Ganon. His power is even greater than the fabled Ganondorf of old."

Katsuro swallowed hard, now realized just what they were up against should things turn bad. Darkin sat upright and put his face in his hands.

"I cannot stress this enough, friends. Get to him before his mission begins. His loyalty to Ganon wavers. You can tip the scale. Stop him before it's too late. If he embarks on his mission, either two things will happen..." He placed his cane back on the ground, leaning on it as he said this.

"Either you will lose your friend forever... Or the world will be plunged into darkness not long after."

The room was silent.

"Go now. You've little time to waste. He was headed for Midoro Swamp. I know not why, but his destination was clear. You should resume your search there. Now off with you." He waved his cane as if to shoo them away.

"The fate of everything could rest with you."

Darkin stood up and whirled around, "Alright. This is going to drain me of a lot of my power, but we need to move fast." He pulled from his robe a green shard that glistened brightly. "It's a stone of Farore's Wind. It'll warp us to the edge of the swamp. <a href="http://desertcolossus.com/adventures/vi ... >"Everyone hold on tight."</a>