CHAPTER 24: BANISHMENTS
(unrevised)
_Midna watched solemnly as the shade faded into the very shadows of the
damp night. A clap of thunder shrieked above them; though, its booming
voice did not seem to shake Link from his void stare, eyes that seemed
suddenly hollow. It was an odd contrast to see his face so lifeless when
there was a new surge of power within him. She approached Link then and
something sharp stabbed at her foot. Rubbing her foot, she craned her
head forward. An ominous shard of rock rested there, near the base of
the pedestal. Realizing, she picked it up and continued on her way to
Link.
"Are you all right?" she asked, the rain beginning to lessen its brutality as it lashed against their bodies.
Link did not respond. Instead, his face became rather pale-even in the dark light. More concerned than curious, Midna raised a hand as if to draw his attention down to her eyelevel. However, in that moment, Link buckled to the opposite side, a line of vomit shooting from his lips. He sunk to his knees, clutching his stomach. As he rocked himself, Midna placed her hand on his forehead.
"I'm not feeling that great," Link mumbled through cringing lips.
"You're not kidding." Midna could not help the tone of sarcasm that drenched her words. "Must have been all that exercise after a bad meal."
He fired a look toward her, questioning.
But if he did not remember that as a wolf he had desecrated the long dead bodies of travelers by feasting on them … it was best not to remind him of the act.
"Never mind," snapped Midna.
"We should get going," said Link in between pauses wherein he gagged on his breath.
"No. We should wait until you can actually stand up," she retorted.
This made Link laugh-though it was quickly drowned by a wince. He managed to explain himself through short breaths. "And yet, when I wanted to rest the night in Kakariko … you were the one that wanted to get going."
Remembering their exchanges on that night flustered Midna, but she did not wish for Link to know that she actually regretted trying to push him. Had he not rested, an injured leg might not have been the only wound with which he would have left the temple of the Zoras. But she adjusted her features not to betray her emotions. "You know what this is?" she asked as she held up the dark object she had stumbled over.
Link turned his head only slightly, and the sight of the crystal nearly made his stomach heave again. Its lustrous red patterns made his heart leap in pain, as if his skin remembered the way it had so forcefully entered his body.
"It is the embodiment of the evil magic that Zant cast on you. It's definitely different from our tribe's shadow magic...." she noted, looking over it. "This thing … perhaps we should just leave it here, huh? Although" -Link could see her mind working- "if we kept it, you would be able to turn into the beast whenever you chose."
"And why would I want to?" Link asked.
Midna hummed, her tooth smiling at him. "Zant was kind enough to give it to us; perhaps there will be a time when such a beast will be useful against him...."
Stomach gurgling, Link retched again; though, it was only an ill breath that reached his mouth. After his breathing was under control again, he looked to Midna once more, "So … this Mirror of Twilight...." His bones had begun to shake, set on by both his sickness and the light rain. "What is it exactly?"
"It is a portal to the Twilight Realm," said Midna, and as if on cue, a thunderclap sounded in the distance, silhouetting her words against a backdrop of obscurity. Something made Link cringe at the existence of such a device … such a realm.
"Twilight Realm?"
"It is the kingdom that the king of shadows rules. The Mirror of Twilight is our last potential link to Zant!" She turned away from Link slightly, only part of her face distinguishable. "The Mirror is hidden somewhere in Hyrule." She paused, taking a breath of moist air. "Link? I have to find the Mirror … to stop Zant." She turned her one eye upon her companion. "Will you come with me?"
The faint hint of a grin stretched across his face. She really had changed. Perhaps her near-death experience had opened her eyes to the fact that there were more lives involved in Zant's tyrannical path than those in her own interests. She had come to realize that sacrifices were necessary, that they were all suffering at the hands of Zant. It mattered to her now.
Link stretched out a hand to her. "Midna, wherever it is you go, I will follow."
It was then that Link could see the first honest smile that adorned her lips. Her single red and yellow did not quite irritate him as it had when they had first met, when that same eye had looked upon him with disgust. Not only did they have the same goal, but now … it seemed that they shared much more. In some mysterious way they had grown to depend on each other, perhaps even to the point of liking one another. And though it was true that Midna could still aggravate him, he had to admit that he could not imagine trading their journey together for even another hour being in an ignorant bliss to the crisis that plagued Hyrule.
"Are you feeling any better?" she asked.
Link had shifted his body from pressing down on his legs, his hands now outstretched on the ground, steadying his breath in combating the raging of his innards. He nodded. "Well enough to start moving."
"Are you sure?" shot Midna.
"Yes," he laughed.
Unsettled at the new sociability that existed between them, Midna reverted to her old mannerisms as if to make herself feel more comfortable. "Just don't expect me to drag you along if you happen to faint."
"I've never had to ask it of you," said Link, standing.
She did not quite know what he had meant by that remark, and she was not sure she wanted to know. Link hummed a short chuckle. It had taken compassion and bravery to save him twice from drowning, yet he imagined that she had not really realized what such a reflex had really meant.
Trying to push their conversation into the past, Midna changed the subject, offering out a dark bundle to him as the shadow crystal disappeared from her palm, entering the dimension of her strange magicks. "Princess Zelda wanted you to have this, remember?"
Link took the item and shook it out, its black surface cascading in gentle ruffles. The back of Zelda's mantle bore the embellishments of the Sheikah symbols-a race that was said to be long extinct. Link had heard tell of stories of their people from Rusl during his boyhood. An ancient race of astonishing magicks; the protectors of the royal court. He could vaguely remember what had taken place in Zelda's dungeon. She had sacrificed herself in order for him and Midna to continue on … for them to finish the fight against the evil upon her kingdom.
He would not allow that sacrifice to have been suffered in vain.
Link threw the cloak back, wrapping it about his shoulders and clasping it together with the silver eagle broach. He steadied his breath before turning from the chamber of legend. He sifted through his thoughts, trying to place his finger on the best course of action to follow. The Mirror of Twilight was located somewhere within Hyrule, yet the kingdom was vast. They could not begin by blindly searching. They needed a starting point, a vague idea of where to look. And that … was the kind of intelligence he supposed the Group could offer them.
However, first things first. He needed to change out of the Zora garb.
And he needed to see how Ilia and Ralis were holding up.
===============
The road back through the forest had taken them some time, for Link had not been able to remember his steps in arriving at the Sacred Grove, and now that he was human once more, he no longer had claws to catch any missteps. By the time they reached the outskirts of the Faron province, daylight had begun to peek through the dispersing storm clouds. Link peered about the trunk of a rather old tree, signaling Midna to remain back. He was still trying to get used to seeing her alongside him since she had for so long traveled within his shadow.
Sentries had grown thicker across the fields, and in the distance Link saw the faint outline of some sort of barrier clouding over the castle of Hyrule. Midna looked on from behind him, also spotting the twilight magic. Her lips pursed, eye narrowing. Zant had separated the heart of Hyrule from its people. Link wondered what measures the citizens of Castle Town had taken against such a frightening sight.
Yet now was not the time. Castle Town was far out of reach. He and Midna needed to reach Kakariko … and wished to do so as quietly as possible.
Link signaled for Midna to follow, and he led the way across the field, ducking behind trees, crouching under sections of brush that densely littered the southern field. They had reached the edge of a shallow pond without being spotted by the patrols. Link's throat begged him for a drink, but he knew better. He would not give away their location to the surrounding guards by making ripples in a pond.
Midna's voice startled him then, as she whispered, "Link, look at your face."
Not sure how to respond to such a ridiculous notion-for why did his appearance matter at the moment-he nonetheless chanced a peek into the water. The reflection of his features seemed distorted. Perhaps Midna had not realized the faint outline until now since only now had they emerged from shadowed woodland. There, upon his forehead, was some strange marking, of a diamond-like shape, a dot within its center. There were also curving lines that spread out from underneath the geometric figure. "Wha…?" muttered Link as he scratched at it.
"It's always been there," murmured Midna, and he turned to her. "Every time you've turned into that beast. But...."
Link did not need her to finish her thoughts to know that this was unnatural. Immediately, he picked at the earth, grabbing a handful of dirt. He smudged it across his entire face.
"What are you-?"
Link's reply was immediate. "Once we reached Kakariko and they saw…." Link paused, rethinking his intent. "If they knew what I have become do you think they would be reassured or even more frightened?"
Midna fell into silence, and Link soiled his face with one more fistful.
They soon regained their pace-Link having to focus on the path more intensely to stay the new unpleasing thoughts as to his appearance. As they reached the main pass into the mountains, Link and Midna quickly moved out of sight into a bundle of shrubbery to the left. Two spear bearing bokoblin guards patrolled the way, and there was no way to bypass them.
Cursing, Link looked about. The only witnesses to their deaths would be one other guard. Irritated that he would have to reveal himself to the sentries, he nonetheless drew his blade and raced from his concealment.
He was upon the two patrols before they even realized that he had launched himself out of the plants. He swept upon them like flames, extinguishing them quickly and mercilessly. It was then that the third bokoblin noticed Link and charged. Link knelt down and whipped out the dagger clipped to a dead guard's belt. The bokoblin was already at him-its sword at Link's ear-when he turned about, but he merely shoved the dagger up into its chest, Link's stare void of any emotion whatsoever-as if killing had become an afterthought to his existence.
Link watched wordlessly as the sword dropped from his opponent's hands. The body slipped away from the dagger and pounded hard into the moist earth, leaving Link's blade cloaked in blood.
"You should keep that, you know," said Midna as she stepped up to Link. "Never know when a second blade could come in handy."
Link cocked his head. True enough.
He bent down to the dead body and stripped it off its sheathed dagger as well. "Or a third." Link bent around to detach the other's empty case, and snapped both of the new accessories to the back of his belt.
They moved on through the pass then, watching the rocks on either side of them very closely, vigilant of anything that seemed to shift. After about a half mile trek, they spilled out into the familiar canyon, but they soon slithered behind a boulder. Two bokoblin patrols were moving up ahead. Link presumed that the employer of these mercenaries had grown interested in the goings on in the mountains, for Link had already slaughtered many of their kind without leaving any real trace of his involvement; however, now Zant knew Link, knew his great concern for the people of Hyrule … and those of this village.
If anything had happened to them....
Link drew his bow upon them then, retrieving two arrows. He nocked the first, aimed high, and released. By the time the arrow hit its mark, lodging into one's head, Link had already took aim of the second-gauging where its confusion would take it-and sent the next shaft soaring. The living guard had had time to turn around and take one step before it, too, became a heap upon the ground.
Link waited a moment, though, determining if there were others, hidden among the rocks. Seeing none, he sprinted straight for the connecting bridge, making all haste into Kakariko.
===============
The town seemed quiet as he stepped into the thoroughfare. He headed directly for Renado's house, taking cautious steps. He decided against rapping on the door; instead, he hung to the side of the house and peeked inside from the side of a dusty window.
Colin and Luda were in the foyer at the bar, preparing food and washing a variety of cloths. There seemed to be no sign of disturbance.
Link marched around to the front of the house then and pulled out on the knob, peering through only a crack. Again, nothing to signify signs of struggle. Though not entirely satisfied, Link opened the door fully, and the screech of its hinges brought him to Luda and Colin's attention, Midna having sunk into shadow out of sight.
"Link!" the boy yipped. Immediately, he excused himself from his chore and ran to greet Link. Neither his soiled appearance nor the few streaks of blood splatters across his cheeks alarmed Colin. His admiration and confidence of Link seemed to block them from view. It was then that Renado leaned over the balcony above, and soon after, he descended the stairs.
"We did not think to be expecting you again for some time," said Renado.
"I'm not staying long," replied Link. "I only came for some of my things. How are Ilia and the prince?"
As Renado spoke he led Link to a table, and they sat opposite one another. "Ralis stills rests but he does well. Ilia's memories are still lost to her; however, she is beginning to realize that the children seem familiar to her."
Link nodded. The memory of the sentries came back to him. "There have been many guards patrolling the area. I think you should take refuge deeper within the mountains."
"No," replied the shaman. "Barnes agreed to be on the lookout in the northern tower. He is usually not so eager to accept such duties, but I suppose the threat of death adjusted his view on the situation. Whenever they come near, he signals us, and we all head to the cellar in the sanctuary." Renado chortled. "Although, it is then my turn for the watch."
Link tried to stifle a giggle, but he choked at the attempt, which in turn caused a laugh to explode from Colin.
Luda then approached Link, cloth in hand and touched it to his cheek. On instinct, the feral beast within Link slapped away her touch, his glee suddenly wiped away. Luda gasped at the red mark on her hand, and Renado and Colin now wore stupefied expressions, as if Link had struck them instead. "I-I'm sorry, Luda," Link tried, reaching out a hand to console her, but he stopped midway. Colin could not understand what had caused Link to harm her, but Renado gazed upon Link with a more severe eye, trying to decode the menacing sparkle that had appeared within Link's eyes in that fleeting moment. "I didn't mean to," said Link, not allowing himself to touch her again.
"It's all right," she said softly.
But the shaman was not satisfied. "You do need to wash."
"No," Link barked, and again he found his heart thumping fast. Link slouched then, looking away from them. "I mean, there's no point."
"I see." Renado turned to Luda and Colin. "Why don't you take the others their food?"
The two complied, Luda trying to dismiss her smarting hand and Colin turning confused glances to Link every other step. When the children had retreated upstairs with the meals, Renado immediately faced Link once more, who stared back at him. "I really did not mean-"
"What are you hiding?"
The question was so abrupt that Link could not process its meaning at first, but the very fact that he paused proved to Renado that there was indeed something amiss. Once Link grasped his sense again, he knew that it would do no good to combat the issue. Renado would know he was lying. He wanted to tell the shaman. Maybe he would understand, or at least, keep the secret from the others. But Link could not bring himself to submit to such questioning. It was as he had told Midna. His state would not bolster their hopes. They would see him as a monster, for already he had frightened Luda and Colin. Perhaps locking them away-keeping them from getting too close to him-would protect them.
At that, Link stood. "I haven't slept well since before all this started. I'm only tired. I didn't mean anything." It was all true enough. "I'm truly sorry I hurt your daughter."
"Indeed, I believe you are, but...." It was clear that Renado had not been convinced. Link always had trouble in shielding his true self from this man. "I don't know what it is you're keeping from me-from us-but … I urge caution."
Renado stood alongside Link then, the youth staring back at him wearily. "What do you mean?"
"Sometimes the very things we try to keep from others are those things that we do not wish to accept. Secrets have destroyed lives. I pray that you do not allow it to extinguish your own."
So much was true in this. Link had learned to accept the fate of his identity some time ago; however, his mind still wished to disregard that anything abnormal had ever happened to him. He recognized Midna's feelings as they splintered up from his shadow. When she was a part of his dark half, he could feel her strongest emotions, and this one felt like a feared agreement. The acknowledgement he needed … to know that she felt the same way about his condition. Her transferred thoughts did nothing to ease his own alarm at the situation.
But he would not offer either of them his thoughts. His state of horror-though the spirits called it divine-would do more harm to him if he allowed it to infest his mind. The shadow crystal.... The very incarnation of his terror. He silently swore that he would never use it. If an obstacle stood before him, he would face it with the eyes with which he had been born. The transformations back into his human self had progressively become worse, so much so that when the Master Sword had cleansed him, the light of even the night had seemed so much brighter. He never wished to feel darkness so tight within his soul again. Even if he faced death itself … he would stand before it without the aid of his more agile lupine limbs. If he died … he would exit life as he had entered.
"I need to change," was all that Link could say, his voice choked by something he never wished to name.
"Your belongings have not been moved," said Renado. Was it disappointment with which he laced his words? The emotion was so subtle, Link barely recognized it. But, for the time being, the shaman would have to remain in such an attitude. Link could not express the matter to him, for he had never truly been one for words. He was a man of action, speaking only when necessary.
Link turned from the shaman, trying his best to hide the deep sadness within him … a despair that he had long tried so hard to ignore. But it was as if Renado's stare had torn a well into his heart, and everything came tumbling out.
===============
Once he had dressed into his green garb, Link stared out the window of his temporary quarters. He wanted solitude, some peace of mind. With Midna it was hard to concentrate. Could she feel him the way he felt her as she lingered within his shadow?
He decided he did not care. He needed to repair the gaping hole within him before he continued on. Distracted thoughts would reduce his ability to react to dangerous situations.
Why does this beast attack me, make me hurt the ones I care about? I thought it was supposed be a good thing that I was able to be the beast, Link thought. Divine....
No. It was a curse as far as he was concerned.
But now was not the time to think about what had become of his life. He had to lock all the bad away; he had to focus on his journey. It no longer mattered what had become of him along the way, only that his travels could not end until the cause for the dark terror was destroyed. When everything was settled, when it was all over … then he would have time to think.
But will I.... The words of the shade returned to him, and they impaled his heart. …the end of my journey had also been the end of my life. The weight of those words increased a hundred fold. It seemed so real now. The possibility of death. If you have not battled with yourself, you soon will. How could Link have known, though, that his battle would have come so soon? And could he fight it now? Would he have to constantly keep the darkness at bay throughout his journey?
If you falter, will you remember to pick yourself back up?
Link had made the promise, vowed upon his own life that he would protect Hyrule, that he would save the kingdom from the surging evil that shrouded them all still. True enough that the twilight had been beaten away, but … fear still plagued every person, every race. Though none knew Link's name, his face, or that it had been by his selfless deeds that the spirits were able to answer their prayers … he would move on. He had to. For the princess, for her people … for the only ones he had ever known as family.
I will fight … for Hyrule, for peace … for hope.
===============
When Link returned to the foyer, he stopped in the doorway. Ilia stood with Luda at the bar, washing the gathered dishes. He wanted to leave having said no more of the issue; however, the sight of Luda caused Link to grow more pensive. If he did not try again to excuse his action, would he have a second chance? Once he and Midna found this Mirror of Twilight, there would be no turning back, no second thoughts.
Soft footsteps made Luda look up nonchalantly, but when she noticed Link, she quickly returned to drying the plate in her hands.
"Luda?"
He waited for her to look at him, her response slow, as she finally decided that the plate had been cleansed. She turned her eyes up to him, unsure, and her uncertainty dimmed her eyes.
"I want to apologize for what I did." He held out an upturned palm. Understanding, she grasped his hand … though, cautiously. But Link merely cupped his opposite hand overtop hers, nodding slightly. "It will never happen again."
The shuffle of feet awakened Link to Renado, Colin, Talo, and Malo as they came down the stairs, but they all halted at the middlemost steps. It was obvious by the last two's faces that Colin had relayed what had happened. It had even been apparent in Ilia's hollow stare. Nonetheless, the tension between him and Luda no longer existed. Her thin smile acknowledged her forgiveness. Link glanced toward the shaman, and his small nod reassured him. Link patted Luda's hand, and with a half-smile, he turned away from her. "I'm off then."
Yet, it was then that Link heard the shaman gasp. Link turned toward him-he and the children having come to into the room. Renado looked behind him. Link followed his gaze to the empty wall. Confused, he looked again to Renado, who now stood several paces closer. "That sword," Renado breathed.
Link hesitated at first, seeing the insecure faces of the children, but perhaps it was due to their apprehensive looks that prodded him into drawing the blade from underneath his cloak. The sword was a symbol of hope. Its glimmering surface seemed to hum.
"You … carry the blade of the hero." Renado looked into his eyes, and their fierce blue sparkled, shimmering against the glint of the blade. "You are a Hero."
Malo and Talo ran in front of Renado, marveling at the shining steel. Colin came slowly toward the scene, standing at Renado's side.
"I have a destiny … like any other," Link replied. He did not think he could come to call himself Hero. He was a man, a mortal who had been gifted the ability, the courage, to do great things. He sheathed the Master Sword. "My journey is not yet over. You may not see me for some time." He gazed across the many faces. Young Talo and Malo, who had always been such a handful; Colin, who had always seemed like a younger brother; Renado and Luda, who had come to mean so much to him.
Ilia … who, if events had unfolded differently....
Link cast away the hurtful thought. By the time she remembered what she had meant to him … how she had shared some many moments with him.... His eyes fogged, and he slapped back a tear. He nodded to the group, his sight lingering upon Colin and Ilia.
And then he grabbed for the door. "Goodbye."
===============
Link and Midna made haste back through the southern and western fields of Hyrule, avoiding the gazes of the many patrols. It was obvious that Zant did not want to give the peoples of Hyrule any hope of banning together against him. Their dispersed efforts would do little against his might. But Link did not want the citizens to interfere, for the king of shadows was much too powerful for any individual to battle. He knew magicks far beyond imagination.
…This power is granted to me by my god!
What unholy creature could have given Zant such power?
As the gleam of the sun began its descent below the horizon, Link crossed the Great Bridge of Hylia, discovering that Epona had not vanished from the area. During his time away, she had sought shelter under the thick canopy of a dense grove of trees. He whistled a melody of three pitches, and she greeted him at the end of the bridge, tossing her mane gleefully. "Shh, girl," soothed Link, brushing his fingers through her hair. He hopped into her saddle, looking down to Midna. "Let's go." Nodding, she pushed off from the ground, and flew into the saddle, sitting in front of him. She latched onto the saddle just as Link tapped on the horse's reins, and they flew on toward the castle.
Though Midna had straddled many creatures, she had never ridden a beast such as Epona upon a saddle. She felt awkward astride the animal; however, using her speed would allow her and Link to arrive at their destination much sooner. She then gazed across the surface of the barrier that shielded the castle from the town. Its orange flicker not only angered her, but an emotion of grief welled inside her as well. Perhaps it was the life-force of Zelda sustaining her that silently wept.
Whatever the cause for her desire, she would see it erased from history of this land. She would crush it.
By the time sundown arrived, Link and Midna had arrived at the bridge into Castle Town. Epona slowed to a manageable trot, and they entered the town through the gate. Hylian soldiers were there to greet them on the other side, and at the sight of them, Midna tucked herself neatly into Link's shadow.
"You there, get down!" a soldier ordered.
As ordered, Link dismounted Epona. "Is there a problem, sir?"
"Captain's orders. Checking everyone who comes and goes." The gate guard then busied himself by with looking over Epona's bundles. "As you can see, there's been some frightful stuff going on, with the castle and all."
A second soldier approached him, "Discard any weapons."
"Is this really necessary?" asked Link, reluctant in parting with any of his defenses.
"Why you ask? Hiding something under that cloak, are we?"
Midna poked mentally poked him. "Maybe you shouldn't cause a scene. People are starting to stare."
But if Hyrule was attacked while he was there....
Without another solution to this predicament, Link gave in to the guards. They were taking precautions, just as he would have done if any armed warrior entered his home. He flipped the clasp of his cloak and caught it in one arm as it fell backward. As he tossed it across Epona's saddle, a young woman shrieked. Link turned immediately to the sound, feet placed firmly and poised to fight off any assailant. But when the woman had not been in any danger. Instead, she wore a curious smile. Dressed in blue as if to match the color of her hair, she beamed at him.
"Excuse me," she giggled. "Are you … are you the one they're talking about? The one who saved that Zora child?"
"I-"
"Oh, you are!" She giggled, hair bouncing.
A man, rotund and carrying a heavy bundle, approached Link. "So, this is the man who saved that kid. You seem a little young, though."
Unsure as of how to respond to this attention, Link remained silent, as a few more citizens gathered about the scene. The guards, anxious around the crowd, had stopped searching.
"Castle Town has changed," said a middle-aged woman with her son. "The soldiers and the citizens are all uneasy. And on top of that, this strange wall has fallen over the castle and we don't know what's become of Princess Zelda. But what they say you've done … it's brought hope back to us."
Unnerved at the townspeople's new interest in him-and their strange knowledge of his deeds-Link could not think of a thing to say.
"Hey you!" the portly man yelled toward the guards. "Are you really going to disarm the one person who protects us? You've done nothing about all this until the castle was sealed off!"
Link warily observed the crowd. A series of agreeing yelps erupted throughout the thickening swarm. If the Hylian guards did not allow him to pass, he knew there would be a ruckus. He looked to the soldiers, expectant of their response to the public demand.
"Yes, go on then, sir," the guard beside him replied.
Nodding his thanks Link whipped his cloak about his shoulders again and took hold of Epona's reins, towing her into the nearby stable. The guards quickly turned back to the gate, ignoring the taunts of the people behind them. The woman and her son were the only ones who followed Link-all else dispersing once more to their individual tasks, spreading the newest gossip.
"Sir?" Link heard as he nestled Epona into a stall. He glanced toward them to acknowledge the boy, but returned to his task as he listened, grabbing a bushel of hay. "Are you here to save the princess? Do you know if she is all right?"
"Child-" his mother started, but Link waved away her ensuing reprimand.
Link gathered his thoughts as he spread out a meal for his horse. "I will do what I can." Link peeked toward him then looked to his mother. "How do the people know of me?"
"Telma, the barkeep. She started spreading rumors of your deeds some days ago. As the word spread, it soon became fact," she replied.
"So, is it all true?" the excited boy asked. "Did you really save the Goron village?"
News of this deed as well? How much had Telma revealed to the public? Link nodded, though. Renewing the hope of the people of Hyrule would instill bravery within them as well. "What is your name?"
"I'm Soal," he said, rather eager that Link had been so interested.
"Well then, Soal," said Link, stepping away from Epona, after closing her gate. "Rest easy; I will save Hyrule even if it means my life."
Soal's smile dropped, and his mother seemed tense. "But wouldn't that mean … you'd die?"
In reply Link smiled, only his eyes betraying his calm. He left Soal and his mother at that statement, and entered into the torch lit town, throwing his hood over his face. It was one thing to allow the people the reassurance that a hero was among them, but it was another to display himself. He had become a symbol, yet the people needed to understand that he may not always be among them during a calamity. Therefore, if he kept himself from their eyes, they would not grow so dependent of him.
Symbols. Link murmured to himself. First, the mark upon my hand, then the blade of the sages, and now my very life.... How many more honors must I uphold?
He made his way through the thick crowd of night, reaching the tavern within only a few minutes. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of beer, laughter ringing through the atmosphere as crowding as the dense horde of common folk outside. He approached the bar, and Telma was there to serve him within seconds. "What can I get you?"
He tossed back his hood.
"Oh my, if it isn't Link!" she gasped, smile curving her lips. "How've you been, honey? How's that Ilia doing?"
"Recovering."
"Don't worry," she reassured. "I'm sure that shaman will find a way to get her memory back. Hey, did you hear? Some of the townsfolk have actually pitched in to repair the eastern bridge out of the town. Of course, it's more due to that barrier over the castle that's stirring the people up. It's scaring them, but if you ask me … it's been the one thing that's happened that has actually made people realize that something is wrong." Telma shook her head, waving off her comments. "Heh, but never mind all that. How about I introduce you to everyone?"
Link nodded; he had been eager to meet the group. Though, a jolt of impatience pierced him. He needed information right now, not names.
Telma guided him toward a table at the back of the room, where four individuals were gathered, obviously in a heated discussion.
"…I'll be investigating the situation further…" an armored woman spoke, yet she was interrupted by an older man, his face dotted with wrinkles. "…that's well, but there seems to be a disturbance in the desert. I am not saying that Snowpeak is not important, but we know for sure that they are regrouping..."
"No, all you have is an assumption," the dark-haired woman returned. "It was due to something in Snowpeak that the climate in Zora's Domain shifted so suddenly. That should be our concern right now."
"Everyone!" Telma shouted, and the argument fell into silence within moments, all turning their attention to her. "I want to introduce to you this handsome young man. This is the one I've been telling you all about. Link."
They all seemed to stare at him then, their gazes judging. The fourth member's face was covered by a helmet, only the thin line of his eyes revealed.
"This is Shad," said Telma, pointing out the bespectacled young man. Short locks of reddish hair dangled over his forehead. By the cut of his purple and brown attire, Link thought of him as a spoiled schoolchild. "He once lived in the castle; his father had been a butler to the royal family." It was no wonder then that this fellow tried to appear intelligent.
"Wonderful to meet you," he said, setting his book on the table. "Telma told us all you've been up to. Rather the formidable sort, are you? Not myself, I'm afraid. No, I lack, shall we say, physical skills. However, the history and legends of Hyrule are very much my area of expertise. For instance, have you head of the sky beings known as the Oocca-"
"Go on anymore and you'll send him packing," said the dark-haired woman. "I'm Ashei. I grew up in the mountains with my father, who was a knight in the royal army, though he never really saw eye-to-eye with the captain, so he left. He taught me the arts of war as though I was his son." Then she leaned in closer to Link. "Right now I'm investigating Snowpeak. Things are happening there that-"
The older man cut her off, "-are not worth our time right now." He turned back to face Link, as Ashei stepped away to take a drink from her tankard. "The name's Auru. I used to be a tutor for the royal family, and so I know a great deal of their past generations and every terror that they have had to contend with throughout the ages. Speaking of which, I was just telling Ashei, here, that our attention should be focused on the desert." Ashei shot him an angry glance, obviously tired of contradicting him.
"Oh, why don't you each look into your own assumptions then?" a familiar tone from the helmed man suggested. "This wickedness is not secluded to one place."
Link turned to the fourth member, eyes narrowed. Where had he heard that voice?
The man pulled away the helmet, and Link took a step back in surprise. "Rusl!"
"Yes, Link," the grey bearded blacksmith nodded. "I've known these people for some time, and when I heard that they'd gathered together, I had to see what I could do to help." He noticed how Link surveyed him. A worried glance. "Don't worry," Rusl consoled. "I'm completely healed. And Uli told me about the children. Ordon owes you a debt of gratitude. And by the sound of your adventures, it seems that the entire of Hyrule will, too."
"You know this lad, Rusl?" asked Auru.
"Yes, of course. Link, here is from my village. He rescued my son and the other children within the mountains."
Your son.... Link repeated within his mind. A sting of jealousy bit him then. Had anyone ever said that about him?
"So, Link, what brings you here?" Rusl asked, as Telma brought up two more chairs.
Link tossed his cape to one side and sat down, as Telma momentarily retreated to the bar, fetching mugs for both herself and Link. When she seated herself, she scooted the mug toward him. Link ignored the beer and directed his gaze toward Rusl. "I need information about something … called the Mirror of Twilight."
All of them wore blank stares-except Auru. After Link had spoken, he had turned his attention to his hands. It was from him that Link waited for a reply.
After a moment Auru coughed. "Why do you wish to know of it?" The white-haired man looked up, eyes boring into Link's.
"I need to find it."
"And in finding it, I am supposing you would then wish to use it," his gruff voice said quietly, so that the rest of the patrons could not overhear. "Am I right?"
Link refused to directly answer the question, however. He stared into the old man's eyes with the same unnerving twinkle.
Auru rubbed a hand through his hair. "This is why I have been telling you that we need to effectively scout the desert!" he said coarsely toward Ashei more than anyone. "I told you that something was going on."
"What are you talking about?" asked Link.
Auru took a gulp from his mug before speaking. "The Gerudo Desert once held a prison built to hold the worst criminals this land has ever known. It is said that the criminals who were sentenced to death were sent directly to the underworld by a cursed mirror that was kept within the prison's walls. I doubt that it has been moved or destroyed." The wrinkles lining his face seemed more recognizable to Link then; in his years Auru had seen and heard much, and he trusted his knowledge. "That prison is condemned, at world's end as some called it. I have been told it is haunted, that one can still hear the grueling shrieks of those long dead inmates."
Auru shifted in his chair and cast a look about the room. He then gazed back at the cloaked youth. "I know that something is amiss there, and whatever it is relates to the current state of affairs."
Link eyed the drink set before him as he mulled over the information. The cursed mirror Auru had spoken of was the very mirror for which he searched. After he crossed the desert and he found it, there would be no turning back. His last battle would be beyond its surface. Without hesitating any longer, Link asked, "How can I get to the desert?"
Link heard Rusl's breath catch somewhat. Perhaps he had been hoping that Auru's description would have scared him away, yet if that were true then perhaps the blacksmith did not really know him after all. Link did not break his stare from Auru's, hoping that the older man recognized the absence of fear within him.
Nothing would stop the youth from finding the path into the desert, Auru could see. He pushed himself up from the table and grabbed a leather scroll from a shelf. He unlaced its clasp and flattened it atop the table, using beer mugs as weights. "The only pass that leads into the desert lies within the path connecting Lake Hylia to the southern field. Here." He indicated the unrolled map.
Link rose and leaned inward and memorized the location. The size of the desert in comparison to the other sections of the map was a bit daunting, but even seeing it nearly twenty times as large the eastern fields of Hyrule did nothing to divert Link. I'm going to need a supply of water, was his only thought. "Thank you for your help," he said, and he turned to Rusl. "Will you look after Epona while I am gone?"
"Of course," he accepted.
"Wait!" called Auru. "You didn't have in mind to be going alone, did you?"
In truth, Link would not be traveling alone, but it would raise too many questions if he offered them the truth, questions that he did not have time to answer clearly. "Yes."
"Those grounds are infested by evil."
"Then if I don't return in three days...." Link compromised.
"I'll be coming after you," the wrinkled man finished.
With that, Link bowed in thanks and turned on his heel. The squealing of the door as he closed it behind him seemed to mirror the group's apprehension.
===============
The dead of night covered Link and Midna as they traversed the path toward the Lake Hylia bridge by foot. The cold sting seemed not to bother Link as much now that he wore the heavy Sheikah mantle, and perhaps its was more his peace of mind in donning it than the actual material which it was made of that warmed his body. Midna stepped along silently beside him, concentrated upon her every footfall it seemed. They crossed the Great Bridge, her bare feet meeting the cool stone with a soft pit-pat. She ambled along the road, keeping in step behind Link unconsciously, depending upon him for the moment to notify her of any danger.
When Midna at last gazed upward from her trance, she discovered that they had come far through the pass that linked the lake and the southern field. Link now tossed glances into every crevice of the walls comprised of grayish stone. He halted suddenly, arms akimbo, turning about and glancing about. If he was not mistaken, this area had been the position on the map which Auru had indicated.
Midna threw her eye about, searching as well. There was a break in the rock in the westward wall behind Link. She had only noticed the receding stones due to the gleaming stars that shone brightly between the rocks. She pointed out its location to Link, and he shuffled about, a smile stealing his lips.
Not so difficult, Link thought. "Right. Let's go."
But as Link moved toward the passage, Midna took once pace and hesitated. "Wait, Link."
He turned to her, and she looked away shyly. This behavior from Midna-a creature he had never known to be subtle-concerned him. He retreated back to her.
"There's something I want you to know." She breathed deep. "Do you remember what the spirit said about the Fused Shadows? What do you think happened to the magic wielders who tried to rule the Sacred Realm?" Midna floated upward then, coming eye-level to Link; however, her gaze remained downcast. "They were banished, chased across the sacred lands of Hyrule and driven into another realm by the goddesses." She looked past him, toward the desert. "It was another world entirely. The antithesis of Hyrule, and its denizens became shadows that could not mingle with the light.... It came to be known as the Twilight Realm." Midna gazed into his eyes then, and Link could see-for the first time-true pain. She did not shield the vulnerability from him now, as she had so customarily done in the past.
"None could return from it to the world of light. They were forever doomed to live in the twilight, flitting in the half-light of dusk, mere shadows of Hyrule." She looked away again, seemingly suffering under Link's entranced stare. "This is the history of the Twili as it has been passed down from our ancestors."
Midna heard a slight intake of breath catch within Link, and she looked toward her darkened hands. "Do you now understand what I am?" Midna's red eye bore into his. "I am a descendant of the tribe that was banished to the Twilight Realm!"
Everything fell into place. Every oddly fond remark she had ever made concerning the twilight. Now, it all made sense to Link.
"It was a peaceful place," she continued, "until Zant took control and transformed all of the Twili into shadow beasts. It's clear to me now that he somehow gained a great power previously unknown to our tribe, by the one he calls his god." She cocked her head, trying to compose herself. "In any case, I was sent from there, and could no longer get into the realm without his power.... But there's a belief told among my people." Her eye flashed, the hopeful sparkle within it radiating. "Though the goddesses forbade us to return to the world of light, they left one link between the light and the darkness, passed to the protectors of Hyrule. The Mirror of Twilight. Your friend has given hope to this belief. It's our only path to the Twilight Realm."
Midna then seemed tentative, more afraid than Link had ever seen her. The dim twinkling of her eye showered so much agony that it seemed to combat the equal trust that cascaded from within her. She placed her smooth palm upon his cheek. Her hand was so small and seemed so fragile. She looked straight into Link's eyes, the distance between them seeming to be squeezed away entirely. "You'll come into the twilight with me … won't you?"
Link smiled and closed his hand around hers. "Midna, you don't have to ask me. You'll never have to ask me."
A warmth spread through her in that moment, and a small grin played with her lips.
Link would not leave her. He would stand his ground alongside her, and that was the most comforting thought she had ever encountered. Yet it still amazed her how fond she had grown of Link and how she trusted him so much. She could not think of a day that she could have not traded if just to see him smile, if only to know that he was there beside her.
If only such a feeling of security could always remain with her....
"Are you all right?" she asked, the rain beginning to lessen its brutality as it lashed against their bodies.
Link did not respond. Instead, his face became rather pale-even in the dark light. More concerned than curious, Midna raised a hand as if to draw his attention down to her eyelevel. However, in that moment, Link buckled to the opposite side, a line of vomit shooting from his lips. He sunk to his knees, clutching his stomach. As he rocked himself, Midna placed her hand on his forehead.
"I'm not feeling that great," Link mumbled through cringing lips.
"You're not kidding." Midna could not help the tone of sarcasm that drenched her words. "Must have been all that exercise after a bad meal."
He fired a look toward her, questioning.
But if he did not remember that as a wolf he had desecrated the long dead bodies of travelers by feasting on them … it was best not to remind him of the act.
"Never mind," snapped Midna.
"We should get going," said Link in between pauses wherein he gagged on his breath.
"No. We should wait until you can actually stand up," she retorted.
This made Link laugh-though it was quickly drowned by a wince. He managed to explain himself through short breaths. "And yet, when I wanted to rest the night in Kakariko … you were the one that wanted to get going."
Remembering their exchanges on that night flustered Midna, but she did not wish for Link to know that she actually regretted trying to push him. Had he not rested, an injured leg might not have been the only wound with which he would have left the temple of the Zoras. But she adjusted her features not to betray her emotions. "You know what this is?" she asked as she held up the dark object she had stumbled over.
Link turned his head only slightly, and the sight of the crystal nearly made his stomach heave again. Its lustrous red patterns made his heart leap in pain, as if his skin remembered the way it had so forcefully entered his body.
"It is the embodiment of the evil magic that Zant cast on you. It's definitely different from our tribe's shadow magic...." she noted, looking over it. "This thing … perhaps we should just leave it here, huh? Although" -Link could see her mind working- "if we kept it, you would be able to turn into the beast whenever you chose."
"And why would I want to?" Link asked.
Midna hummed, her tooth smiling at him. "Zant was kind enough to give it to us; perhaps there will be a time when such a beast will be useful against him...."
Stomach gurgling, Link retched again; though, it was only an ill breath that reached his mouth. After his breathing was under control again, he looked to Midna once more, "So … this Mirror of Twilight...." His bones had begun to shake, set on by both his sickness and the light rain. "What is it exactly?"
"It is a portal to the Twilight Realm," said Midna, and as if on cue, a thunderclap sounded in the distance, silhouetting her words against a backdrop of obscurity. Something made Link cringe at the existence of such a device … such a realm.
"Twilight Realm?"
"It is the kingdom that the king of shadows rules. The Mirror of Twilight is our last potential link to Zant!" She turned away from Link slightly, only part of her face distinguishable. "The Mirror is hidden somewhere in Hyrule." She paused, taking a breath of moist air. "Link? I have to find the Mirror … to stop Zant." She turned her one eye upon her companion. "Will you come with me?"
The faint hint of a grin stretched across his face. She really had changed. Perhaps her near-death experience had opened her eyes to the fact that there were more lives involved in Zant's tyrannical path than those in her own interests. She had come to realize that sacrifices were necessary, that they were all suffering at the hands of Zant. It mattered to her now.
Link stretched out a hand to her. "Midna, wherever it is you go, I will follow."
It was then that Link could see the first honest smile that adorned her lips. Her single red and yellow did not quite irritate him as it had when they had first met, when that same eye had looked upon him with disgust. Not only did they have the same goal, but now … it seemed that they shared much more. In some mysterious way they had grown to depend on each other, perhaps even to the point of liking one another. And though it was true that Midna could still aggravate him, he had to admit that he could not imagine trading their journey together for even another hour being in an ignorant bliss to the crisis that plagued Hyrule.
"Are you feeling any better?" she asked.
Link had shifted his body from pressing down on his legs, his hands now outstretched on the ground, steadying his breath in combating the raging of his innards. He nodded. "Well enough to start moving."
"Are you sure?" shot Midna.
"Yes," he laughed.
Unsettled at the new sociability that existed between them, Midna reverted to her old mannerisms as if to make herself feel more comfortable. "Just don't expect me to drag you along if you happen to faint."
"I've never had to ask it of you," said Link, standing.
She did not quite know what he had meant by that remark, and she was not sure she wanted to know. Link hummed a short chuckle. It had taken compassion and bravery to save him twice from drowning, yet he imagined that she had not really realized what such a reflex had really meant.
Trying to push their conversation into the past, Midna changed the subject, offering out a dark bundle to him as the shadow crystal disappeared from her palm, entering the dimension of her strange magicks. "Princess Zelda wanted you to have this, remember?"
Link took the item and shook it out, its black surface cascading in gentle ruffles. The back of Zelda's mantle bore the embellishments of the Sheikah symbols-a race that was said to be long extinct. Link had heard tell of stories of their people from Rusl during his boyhood. An ancient race of astonishing magicks; the protectors of the royal court. He could vaguely remember what had taken place in Zelda's dungeon. She had sacrificed herself in order for him and Midna to continue on … for them to finish the fight against the evil upon her kingdom.
He would not allow that sacrifice to have been suffered in vain.
Link threw the cloak back, wrapping it about his shoulders and clasping it together with the silver eagle broach. He steadied his breath before turning from the chamber of legend. He sifted through his thoughts, trying to place his finger on the best course of action to follow. The Mirror of Twilight was located somewhere within Hyrule, yet the kingdom was vast. They could not begin by blindly searching. They needed a starting point, a vague idea of where to look. And that … was the kind of intelligence he supposed the Group could offer them.
However, first things first. He needed to change out of the Zora garb.
And he needed to see how Ilia and Ralis were holding up.
===============
The road back through the forest had taken them some time, for Link had not been able to remember his steps in arriving at the Sacred Grove, and now that he was human once more, he no longer had claws to catch any missteps. By the time they reached the outskirts of the Faron province, daylight had begun to peek through the dispersing storm clouds. Link peered about the trunk of a rather old tree, signaling Midna to remain back. He was still trying to get used to seeing her alongside him since she had for so long traveled within his shadow.
Sentries had grown thicker across the fields, and in the distance Link saw the faint outline of some sort of barrier clouding over the castle of Hyrule. Midna looked on from behind him, also spotting the twilight magic. Her lips pursed, eye narrowing. Zant had separated the heart of Hyrule from its people. Link wondered what measures the citizens of Castle Town had taken against such a frightening sight.
Yet now was not the time. Castle Town was far out of reach. He and Midna needed to reach Kakariko … and wished to do so as quietly as possible.
Link signaled for Midna to follow, and he led the way across the field, ducking behind trees, crouching under sections of brush that densely littered the southern field. They had reached the edge of a shallow pond without being spotted by the patrols. Link's throat begged him for a drink, but he knew better. He would not give away their location to the surrounding guards by making ripples in a pond.
Midna's voice startled him then, as she whispered, "Link, look at your face."
Not sure how to respond to such a ridiculous notion-for why did his appearance matter at the moment-he nonetheless chanced a peek into the water. The reflection of his features seemed distorted. Perhaps Midna had not realized the faint outline until now since only now had they emerged from shadowed woodland. There, upon his forehead, was some strange marking, of a diamond-like shape, a dot within its center. There were also curving lines that spread out from underneath the geometric figure. "Wha…?" muttered Link as he scratched at it.
"It's always been there," murmured Midna, and he turned to her. "Every time you've turned into that beast. But...."
Link did not need her to finish her thoughts to know that this was unnatural. Immediately, he picked at the earth, grabbing a handful of dirt. He smudged it across his entire face.
"What are you-?"
Link's reply was immediate. "Once we reached Kakariko and they saw…." Link paused, rethinking his intent. "If they knew what I have become do you think they would be reassured or even more frightened?"
Midna fell into silence, and Link soiled his face with one more fistful.
They soon regained their pace-Link having to focus on the path more intensely to stay the new unpleasing thoughts as to his appearance. As they reached the main pass into the mountains, Link and Midna quickly moved out of sight into a bundle of shrubbery to the left. Two spear bearing bokoblin guards patrolled the way, and there was no way to bypass them.
Cursing, Link looked about. The only witnesses to their deaths would be one other guard. Irritated that he would have to reveal himself to the sentries, he nonetheless drew his blade and raced from his concealment.
He was upon the two patrols before they even realized that he had launched himself out of the plants. He swept upon them like flames, extinguishing them quickly and mercilessly. It was then that the third bokoblin noticed Link and charged. Link knelt down and whipped out the dagger clipped to a dead guard's belt. The bokoblin was already at him-its sword at Link's ear-when he turned about, but he merely shoved the dagger up into its chest, Link's stare void of any emotion whatsoever-as if killing had become an afterthought to his existence.
Link watched wordlessly as the sword dropped from his opponent's hands. The body slipped away from the dagger and pounded hard into the moist earth, leaving Link's blade cloaked in blood.
"You should keep that, you know," said Midna as she stepped up to Link. "Never know when a second blade could come in handy."
Link cocked his head. True enough.
He bent down to the dead body and stripped it off its sheathed dagger as well. "Or a third." Link bent around to detach the other's empty case, and snapped both of the new accessories to the back of his belt.
They moved on through the pass then, watching the rocks on either side of them very closely, vigilant of anything that seemed to shift. After about a half mile trek, they spilled out into the familiar canyon, but they soon slithered behind a boulder. Two bokoblin patrols were moving up ahead. Link presumed that the employer of these mercenaries had grown interested in the goings on in the mountains, for Link had already slaughtered many of their kind without leaving any real trace of his involvement; however, now Zant knew Link, knew his great concern for the people of Hyrule … and those of this village.
If anything had happened to them....
Link drew his bow upon them then, retrieving two arrows. He nocked the first, aimed high, and released. By the time the arrow hit its mark, lodging into one's head, Link had already took aim of the second-gauging where its confusion would take it-and sent the next shaft soaring. The living guard had had time to turn around and take one step before it, too, became a heap upon the ground.
Link waited a moment, though, determining if there were others, hidden among the rocks. Seeing none, he sprinted straight for the connecting bridge, making all haste into Kakariko.
===============
The town seemed quiet as he stepped into the thoroughfare. He headed directly for Renado's house, taking cautious steps. He decided against rapping on the door; instead, he hung to the side of the house and peeked inside from the side of a dusty window.
Colin and Luda were in the foyer at the bar, preparing food and washing a variety of cloths. There seemed to be no sign of disturbance.
Link marched around to the front of the house then and pulled out on the knob, peering through only a crack. Again, nothing to signify signs of struggle. Though not entirely satisfied, Link opened the door fully, and the screech of its hinges brought him to Luda and Colin's attention, Midna having sunk into shadow out of sight.
"Link!" the boy yipped. Immediately, he excused himself from his chore and ran to greet Link. Neither his soiled appearance nor the few streaks of blood splatters across his cheeks alarmed Colin. His admiration and confidence of Link seemed to block them from view. It was then that Renado leaned over the balcony above, and soon after, he descended the stairs.
"We did not think to be expecting you again for some time," said Renado.
"I'm not staying long," replied Link. "I only came for some of my things. How are Ilia and the prince?"
As Renado spoke he led Link to a table, and they sat opposite one another. "Ralis stills rests but he does well. Ilia's memories are still lost to her; however, she is beginning to realize that the children seem familiar to her."
Link nodded. The memory of the sentries came back to him. "There have been many guards patrolling the area. I think you should take refuge deeper within the mountains."
"No," replied the shaman. "Barnes agreed to be on the lookout in the northern tower. He is usually not so eager to accept such duties, but I suppose the threat of death adjusted his view on the situation. Whenever they come near, he signals us, and we all head to the cellar in the sanctuary." Renado chortled. "Although, it is then my turn for the watch."
Link tried to stifle a giggle, but he choked at the attempt, which in turn caused a laugh to explode from Colin.
Luda then approached Link, cloth in hand and touched it to his cheek. On instinct, the feral beast within Link slapped away her touch, his glee suddenly wiped away. Luda gasped at the red mark on her hand, and Renado and Colin now wore stupefied expressions, as if Link had struck them instead. "I-I'm sorry, Luda," Link tried, reaching out a hand to console her, but he stopped midway. Colin could not understand what had caused Link to harm her, but Renado gazed upon Link with a more severe eye, trying to decode the menacing sparkle that had appeared within Link's eyes in that fleeting moment. "I didn't mean to," said Link, not allowing himself to touch her again.
"It's all right," she said softly.
But the shaman was not satisfied. "You do need to wash."
"No," Link barked, and again he found his heart thumping fast. Link slouched then, looking away from them. "I mean, there's no point."
"I see." Renado turned to Luda and Colin. "Why don't you take the others their food?"
The two complied, Luda trying to dismiss her smarting hand and Colin turning confused glances to Link every other step. When the children had retreated upstairs with the meals, Renado immediately faced Link once more, who stared back at him. "I really did not mean-"
"What are you hiding?"
The question was so abrupt that Link could not process its meaning at first, but the very fact that he paused proved to Renado that there was indeed something amiss. Once Link grasped his sense again, he knew that it would do no good to combat the issue. Renado would know he was lying. He wanted to tell the shaman. Maybe he would understand, or at least, keep the secret from the others. But Link could not bring himself to submit to such questioning. It was as he had told Midna. His state would not bolster their hopes. They would see him as a monster, for already he had frightened Luda and Colin. Perhaps locking them away-keeping them from getting too close to him-would protect them.
At that, Link stood. "I haven't slept well since before all this started. I'm only tired. I didn't mean anything." It was all true enough. "I'm truly sorry I hurt your daughter."
"Indeed, I believe you are, but...." It was clear that Renado had not been convinced. Link always had trouble in shielding his true self from this man. "I don't know what it is you're keeping from me-from us-but … I urge caution."
Renado stood alongside Link then, the youth staring back at him wearily. "What do you mean?"
"Sometimes the very things we try to keep from others are those things that we do not wish to accept. Secrets have destroyed lives. I pray that you do not allow it to extinguish your own."
So much was true in this. Link had learned to accept the fate of his identity some time ago; however, his mind still wished to disregard that anything abnormal had ever happened to him. He recognized Midna's feelings as they splintered up from his shadow. When she was a part of his dark half, he could feel her strongest emotions, and this one felt like a feared agreement. The acknowledgement he needed … to know that she felt the same way about his condition. Her transferred thoughts did nothing to ease his own alarm at the situation.
But he would not offer either of them his thoughts. His state of horror-though the spirits called it divine-would do more harm to him if he allowed it to infest his mind. The shadow crystal.... The very incarnation of his terror. He silently swore that he would never use it. If an obstacle stood before him, he would face it with the eyes with which he had been born. The transformations back into his human self had progressively become worse, so much so that when the Master Sword had cleansed him, the light of even the night had seemed so much brighter. He never wished to feel darkness so tight within his soul again. Even if he faced death itself … he would stand before it without the aid of his more agile lupine limbs. If he died … he would exit life as he had entered.
"I need to change," was all that Link could say, his voice choked by something he never wished to name.
"Your belongings have not been moved," said Renado. Was it disappointment with which he laced his words? The emotion was so subtle, Link barely recognized it. But, for the time being, the shaman would have to remain in such an attitude. Link could not express the matter to him, for he had never truly been one for words. He was a man of action, speaking only when necessary.
Link turned from the shaman, trying his best to hide the deep sadness within him … a despair that he had long tried so hard to ignore. But it was as if Renado's stare had torn a well into his heart, and everything came tumbling out.
===============
Once he had dressed into his green garb, Link stared out the window of his temporary quarters. He wanted solitude, some peace of mind. With Midna it was hard to concentrate. Could she feel him the way he felt her as she lingered within his shadow?
He decided he did not care. He needed to repair the gaping hole within him before he continued on. Distracted thoughts would reduce his ability to react to dangerous situations.
Why does this beast attack me, make me hurt the ones I care about? I thought it was supposed be a good thing that I was able to be the beast, Link thought. Divine....
No. It was a curse as far as he was concerned.
But now was not the time to think about what had become of his life. He had to lock all the bad away; he had to focus on his journey. It no longer mattered what had become of him along the way, only that his travels could not end until the cause for the dark terror was destroyed. When everything was settled, when it was all over … then he would have time to think.
But will I.... The words of the shade returned to him, and they impaled his heart. …the end of my journey had also been the end of my life. The weight of those words increased a hundred fold. It seemed so real now. The possibility of death. If you have not battled with yourself, you soon will. How could Link have known, though, that his battle would have come so soon? And could he fight it now? Would he have to constantly keep the darkness at bay throughout his journey?
If you falter, will you remember to pick yourself back up?
Link had made the promise, vowed upon his own life that he would protect Hyrule, that he would save the kingdom from the surging evil that shrouded them all still. True enough that the twilight had been beaten away, but … fear still plagued every person, every race. Though none knew Link's name, his face, or that it had been by his selfless deeds that the spirits were able to answer their prayers … he would move on. He had to. For the princess, for her people … for the only ones he had ever known as family.
I will fight … for Hyrule, for peace … for hope.
===============
When Link returned to the foyer, he stopped in the doorway. Ilia stood with Luda at the bar, washing the gathered dishes. He wanted to leave having said no more of the issue; however, the sight of Luda caused Link to grow more pensive. If he did not try again to excuse his action, would he have a second chance? Once he and Midna found this Mirror of Twilight, there would be no turning back, no second thoughts.
Soft footsteps made Luda look up nonchalantly, but when she noticed Link, she quickly returned to drying the plate in her hands.
"Luda?"
He waited for her to look at him, her response slow, as she finally decided that the plate had been cleansed. She turned her eyes up to him, unsure, and her uncertainty dimmed her eyes.
"I want to apologize for what I did." He held out an upturned palm. Understanding, she grasped his hand … though, cautiously. But Link merely cupped his opposite hand overtop hers, nodding slightly. "It will never happen again."
The shuffle of feet awakened Link to Renado, Colin, Talo, and Malo as they came down the stairs, but they all halted at the middlemost steps. It was obvious by the last two's faces that Colin had relayed what had happened. It had even been apparent in Ilia's hollow stare. Nonetheless, the tension between him and Luda no longer existed. Her thin smile acknowledged her forgiveness. Link glanced toward the shaman, and his small nod reassured him. Link patted Luda's hand, and with a half-smile, he turned away from her. "I'm off then."
Yet, it was then that Link heard the shaman gasp. Link turned toward him-he and the children having come to into the room. Renado looked behind him. Link followed his gaze to the empty wall. Confused, he looked again to Renado, who now stood several paces closer. "That sword," Renado breathed.
Link hesitated at first, seeing the insecure faces of the children, but perhaps it was due to their apprehensive looks that prodded him into drawing the blade from underneath his cloak. The sword was a symbol of hope. Its glimmering surface seemed to hum.
"You … carry the blade of the hero." Renado looked into his eyes, and their fierce blue sparkled, shimmering against the glint of the blade. "You are a Hero."
Malo and Talo ran in front of Renado, marveling at the shining steel. Colin came slowly toward the scene, standing at Renado's side.
"I have a destiny … like any other," Link replied. He did not think he could come to call himself Hero. He was a man, a mortal who had been gifted the ability, the courage, to do great things. He sheathed the Master Sword. "My journey is not yet over. You may not see me for some time." He gazed across the many faces. Young Talo and Malo, who had always been such a handful; Colin, who had always seemed like a younger brother; Renado and Luda, who had come to mean so much to him.
Ilia … who, if events had unfolded differently....
Link cast away the hurtful thought. By the time she remembered what she had meant to him … how she had shared some many moments with him.... His eyes fogged, and he slapped back a tear. He nodded to the group, his sight lingering upon Colin and Ilia.
And then he grabbed for the door. "Goodbye."
===============
Link and Midna made haste back through the southern and western fields of Hyrule, avoiding the gazes of the many patrols. It was obvious that Zant did not want to give the peoples of Hyrule any hope of banning together against him. Their dispersed efforts would do little against his might. But Link did not want the citizens to interfere, for the king of shadows was much too powerful for any individual to battle. He knew magicks far beyond imagination.
…This power is granted to me by my god!
What unholy creature could have given Zant such power?
As the gleam of the sun began its descent below the horizon, Link crossed the Great Bridge of Hylia, discovering that Epona had not vanished from the area. During his time away, she had sought shelter under the thick canopy of a dense grove of trees. He whistled a melody of three pitches, and she greeted him at the end of the bridge, tossing her mane gleefully. "Shh, girl," soothed Link, brushing his fingers through her hair. He hopped into her saddle, looking down to Midna. "Let's go." Nodding, she pushed off from the ground, and flew into the saddle, sitting in front of him. She latched onto the saddle just as Link tapped on the horse's reins, and they flew on toward the castle.
Though Midna had straddled many creatures, she had never ridden a beast such as Epona upon a saddle. She felt awkward astride the animal; however, using her speed would allow her and Link to arrive at their destination much sooner. She then gazed across the surface of the barrier that shielded the castle from the town. Its orange flicker not only angered her, but an emotion of grief welled inside her as well. Perhaps it was the life-force of Zelda sustaining her that silently wept.
Whatever the cause for her desire, she would see it erased from history of this land. She would crush it.
By the time sundown arrived, Link and Midna had arrived at the bridge into Castle Town. Epona slowed to a manageable trot, and they entered the town through the gate. Hylian soldiers were there to greet them on the other side, and at the sight of them, Midna tucked herself neatly into Link's shadow.
"You there, get down!" a soldier ordered.
As ordered, Link dismounted Epona. "Is there a problem, sir?"
"Captain's orders. Checking everyone who comes and goes." The gate guard then busied himself by with looking over Epona's bundles. "As you can see, there's been some frightful stuff going on, with the castle and all."
A second soldier approached him, "Discard any weapons."
"Is this really necessary?" asked Link, reluctant in parting with any of his defenses.
"Why you ask? Hiding something under that cloak, are we?"
Midna poked mentally poked him. "Maybe you shouldn't cause a scene. People are starting to stare."
But if Hyrule was attacked while he was there....
Without another solution to this predicament, Link gave in to the guards. They were taking precautions, just as he would have done if any armed warrior entered his home. He flipped the clasp of his cloak and caught it in one arm as it fell backward. As he tossed it across Epona's saddle, a young woman shrieked. Link turned immediately to the sound, feet placed firmly and poised to fight off any assailant. But when the woman had not been in any danger. Instead, she wore a curious smile. Dressed in blue as if to match the color of her hair, she beamed at him.
"Excuse me," she giggled. "Are you … are you the one they're talking about? The one who saved that Zora child?"
"I-"
"Oh, you are!" She giggled, hair bouncing.
A man, rotund and carrying a heavy bundle, approached Link. "So, this is the man who saved that kid. You seem a little young, though."
Unsure as of how to respond to this attention, Link remained silent, as a few more citizens gathered about the scene. The guards, anxious around the crowd, had stopped searching.
"Castle Town has changed," said a middle-aged woman with her son. "The soldiers and the citizens are all uneasy. And on top of that, this strange wall has fallen over the castle and we don't know what's become of Princess Zelda. But what they say you've done … it's brought hope back to us."
Unnerved at the townspeople's new interest in him-and their strange knowledge of his deeds-Link could not think of a thing to say.
"Hey you!" the portly man yelled toward the guards. "Are you really going to disarm the one person who protects us? You've done nothing about all this until the castle was sealed off!"
Link warily observed the crowd. A series of agreeing yelps erupted throughout the thickening swarm. If the Hylian guards did not allow him to pass, he knew there would be a ruckus. He looked to the soldiers, expectant of their response to the public demand.
"Yes, go on then, sir," the guard beside him replied.
Nodding his thanks Link whipped his cloak about his shoulders again and took hold of Epona's reins, towing her into the nearby stable. The guards quickly turned back to the gate, ignoring the taunts of the people behind them. The woman and her son were the only ones who followed Link-all else dispersing once more to their individual tasks, spreading the newest gossip.
"Sir?" Link heard as he nestled Epona into a stall. He glanced toward them to acknowledge the boy, but returned to his task as he listened, grabbing a bushel of hay. "Are you here to save the princess? Do you know if she is all right?"
"Child-" his mother started, but Link waved away her ensuing reprimand.
Link gathered his thoughts as he spread out a meal for his horse. "I will do what I can." Link peeked toward him then looked to his mother. "How do the people know of me?"
"Telma, the barkeep. She started spreading rumors of your deeds some days ago. As the word spread, it soon became fact," she replied.
"So, is it all true?" the excited boy asked. "Did you really save the Goron village?"
News of this deed as well? How much had Telma revealed to the public? Link nodded, though. Renewing the hope of the people of Hyrule would instill bravery within them as well. "What is your name?"
"I'm Soal," he said, rather eager that Link had been so interested.
"Well then, Soal," said Link, stepping away from Epona, after closing her gate. "Rest easy; I will save Hyrule even if it means my life."
Soal's smile dropped, and his mother seemed tense. "But wouldn't that mean … you'd die?"
In reply Link smiled, only his eyes betraying his calm. He left Soal and his mother at that statement, and entered into the torch lit town, throwing his hood over his face. It was one thing to allow the people the reassurance that a hero was among them, but it was another to display himself. He had become a symbol, yet the people needed to understand that he may not always be among them during a calamity. Therefore, if he kept himself from their eyes, they would not grow so dependent of him.
Symbols. Link murmured to himself. First, the mark upon my hand, then the blade of the sages, and now my very life.... How many more honors must I uphold?
He made his way through the thick crowd of night, reaching the tavern within only a few minutes. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of beer, laughter ringing through the atmosphere as crowding as the dense horde of common folk outside. He approached the bar, and Telma was there to serve him within seconds. "What can I get you?"
He tossed back his hood.
"Oh my, if it isn't Link!" she gasped, smile curving her lips. "How've you been, honey? How's that Ilia doing?"
"Recovering."
"Don't worry," she reassured. "I'm sure that shaman will find a way to get her memory back. Hey, did you hear? Some of the townsfolk have actually pitched in to repair the eastern bridge out of the town. Of course, it's more due to that barrier over the castle that's stirring the people up. It's scaring them, but if you ask me … it's been the one thing that's happened that has actually made people realize that something is wrong." Telma shook her head, waving off her comments. "Heh, but never mind all that. How about I introduce you to everyone?"
Link nodded; he had been eager to meet the group. Though, a jolt of impatience pierced him. He needed information right now, not names.
Telma guided him toward a table at the back of the room, where four individuals were gathered, obviously in a heated discussion.
"…I'll be investigating the situation further…" an armored woman spoke, yet she was interrupted by an older man, his face dotted with wrinkles. "…that's well, but there seems to be a disturbance in the desert. I am not saying that Snowpeak is not important, but we know for sure that they are regrouping..."
"No, all you have is an assumption," the dark-haired woman returned. "It was due to something in Snowpeak that the climate in Zora's Domain shifted so suddenly. That should be our concern right now."
"Everyone!" Telma shouted, and the argument fell into silence within moments, all turning their attention to her. "I want to introduce to you this handsome young man. This is the one I've been telling you all about. Link."
They all seemed to stare at him then, their gazes judging. The fourth member's face was covered by a helmet, only the thin line of his eyes revealed.
"This is Shad," said Telma, pointing out the bespectacled young man. Short locks of reddish hair dangled over his forehead. By the cut of his purple and brown attire, Link thought of him as a spoiled schoolchild. "He once lived in the castle; his father had been a butler to the royal family." It was no wonder then that this fellow tried to appear intelligent.
"Wonderful to meet you," he said, setting his book on the table. "Telma told us all you've been up to. Rather the formidable sort, are you? Not myself, I'm afraid. No, I lack, shall we say, physical skills. However, the history and legends of Hyrule are very much my area of expertise. For instance, have you head of the sky beings known as the Oocca-"
"Go on anymore and you'll send him packing," said the dark-haired woman. "I'm Ashei. I grew up in the mountains with my father, who was a knight in the royal army, though he never really saw eye-to-eye with the captain, so he left. He taught me the arts of war as though I was his son." Then she leaned in closer to Link. "Right now I'm investigating Snowpeak. Things are happening there that-"
The older man cut her off, "-are not worth our time right now." He turned back to face Link, as Ashei stepped away to take a drink from her tankard. "The name's Auru. I used to be a tutor for the royal family, and so I know a great deal of their past generations and every terror that they have had to contend with throughout the ages. Speaking of which, I was just telling Ashei, here, that our attention should be focused on the desert." Ashei shot him an angry glance, obviously tired of contradicting him.
"Oh, why don't you each look into your own assumptions then?" a familiar tone from the helmed man suggested. "This wickedness is not secluded to one place."
Link turned to the fourth member, eyes narrowed. Where had he heard that voice?
The man pulled away the helmet, and Link took a step back in surprise. "Rusl!"
"Yes, Link," the grey bearded blacksmith nodded. "I've known these people for some time, and when I heard that they'd gathered together, I had to see what I could do to help." He noticed how Link surveyed him. A worried glance. "Don't worry," Rusl consoled. "I'm completely healed. And Uli told me about the children. Ordon owes you a debt of gratitude. And by the sound of your adventures, it seems that the entire of Hyrule will, too."
"You know this lad, Rusl?" asked Auru.
"Yes, of course. Link, here is from my village. He rescued my son and the other children within the mountains."
Your son.... Link repeated within his mind. A sting of jealousy bit him then. Had anyone ever said that about him?
"So, Link, what brings you here?" Rusl asked, as Telma brought up two more chairs.
Link tossed his cape to one side and sat down, as Telma momentarily retreated to the bar, fetching mugs for both herself and Link. When she seated herself, she scooted the mug toward him. Link ignored the beer and directed his gaze toward Rusl. "I need information about something … called the Mirror of Twilight."
All of them wore blank stares-except Auru. After Link had spoken, he had turned his attention to his hands. It was from him that Link waited for a reply.
After a moment Auru coughed. "Why do you wish to know of it?" The white-haired man looked up, eyes boring into Link's.
"I need to find it."
"And in finding it, I am supposing you would then wish to use it," his gruff voice said quietly, so that the rest of the patrons could not overhear. "Am I right?"
Link refused to directly answer the question, however. He stared into the old man's eyes with the same unnerving twinkle.
Auru rubbed a hand through his hair. "This is why I have been telling you that we need to effectively scout the desert!" he said coarsely toward Ashei more than anyone. "I told you that something was going on."
"What are you talking about?" asked Link.
Auru took a gulp from his mug before speaking. "The Gerudo Desert once held a prison built to hold the worst criminals this land has ever known. It is said that the criminals who were sentenced to death were sent directly to the underworld by a cursed mirror that was kept within the prison's walls. I doubt that it has been moved or destroyed." The wrinkles lining his face seemed more recognizable to Link then; in his years Auru had seen and heard much, and he trusted his knowledge. "That prison is condemned, at world's end as some called it. I have been told it is haunted, that one can still hear the grueling shrieks of those long dead inmates."
Auru shifted in his chair and cast a look about the room. He then gazed back at the cloaked youth. "I know that something is amiss there, and whatever it is relates to the current state of affairs."
Link eyed the drink set before him as he mulled over the information. The cursed mirror Auru had spoken of was the very mirror for which he searched. After he crossed the desert and he found it, there would be no turning back. His last battle would be beyond its surface. Without hesitating any longer, Link asked, "How can I get to the desert?"
Link heard Rusl's breath catch somewhat. Perhaps he had been hoping that Auru's description would have scared him away, yet if that were true then perhaps the blacksmith did not really know him after all. Link did not break his stare from Auru's, hoping that the older man recognized the absence of fear within him.
Nothing would stop the youth from finding the path into the desert, Auru could see. He pushed himself up from the table and grabbed a leather scroll from a shelf. He unlaced its clasp and flattened it atop the table, using beer mugs as weights. "The only pass that leads into the desert lies within the path connecting Lake Hylia to the southern field. Here." He indicated the unrolled map.
Link rose and leaned inward and memorized the location. The size of the desert in comparison to the other sections of the map was a bit daunting, but even seeing it nearly twenty times as large the eastern fields of Hyrule did nothing to divert Link. I'm going to need a supply of water, was his only thought. "Thank you for your help," he said, and he turned to Rusl. "Will you look after Epona while I am gone?"
"Of course," he accepted.
"Wait!" called Auru. "You didn't have in mind to be going alone, did you?"
In truth, Link would not be traveling alone, but it would raise too many questions if he offered them the truth, questions that he did not have time to answer clearly. "Yes."
"Those grounds are infested by evil."
"Then if I don't return in three days...." Link compromised.
"I'll be coming after you," the wrinkled man finished.
With that, Link bowed in thanks and turned on his heel. The squealing of the door as he closed it behind him seemed to mirror the group's apprehension.
===============
The dead of night covered Link and Midna as they traversed the path toward the Lake Hylia bridge by foot. The cold sting seemed not to bother Link as much now that he wore the heavy Sheikah mantle, and perhaps its was more his peace of mind in donning it than the actual material which it was made of that warmed his body. Midna stepped along silently beside him, concentrated upon her every footfall it seemed. They crossed the Great Bridge, her bare feet meeting the cool stone with a soft pit-pat. She ambled along the road, keeping in step behind Link unconsciously, depending upon him for the moment to notify her of any danger.
When Midna at last gazed upward from her trance, she discovered that they had come far through the pass that linked the lake and the southern field. Link now tossed glances into every crevice of the walls comprised of grayish stone. He halted suddenly, arms akimbo, turning about and glancing about. If he was not mistaken, this area had been the position on the map which Auru had indicated.
Midna threw her eye about, searching as well. There was a break in the rock in the westward wall behind Link. She had only noticed the receding stones due to the gleaming stars that shone brightly between the rocks. She pointed out its location to Link, and he shuffled about, a smile stealing his lips.
Not so difficult, Link thought. "Right. Let's go."
But as Link moved toward the passage, Midna took once pace and hesitated. "Wait, Link."
He turned to her, and she looked away shyly. This behavior from Midna-a creature he had never known to be subtle-concerned him. He retreated back to her.
"There's something I want you to know." She breathed deep. "Do you remember what the spirit said about the Fused Shadows? What do you think happened to the magic wielders who tried to rule the Sacred Realm?" Midna floated upward then, coming eye-level to Link; however, her gaze remained downcast. "They were banished, chased across the sacred lands of Hyrule and driven into another realm by the goddesses." She looked past him, toward the desert. "It was another world entirely. The antithesis of Hyrule, and its denizens became shadows that could not mingle with the light.... It came to be known as the Twilight Realm." Midna gazed into his eyes then, and Link could see-for the first time-true pain. She did not shield the vulnerability from him now, as she had so customarily done in the past.
"None could return from it to the world of light. They were forever doomed to live in the twilight, flitting in the half-light of dusk, mere shadows of Hyrule." She looked away again, seemingly suffering under Link's entranced stare. "This is the history of the Twili as it has been passed down from our ancestors."
Midna heard a slight intake of breath catch within Link, and she looked toward her darkened hands. "Do you now understand what I am?" Midna's red eye bore into his. "I am a descendant of the tribe that was banished to the Twilight Realm!"
Everything fell into place. Every oddly fond remark she had ever made concerning the twilight. Now, it all made sense to Link.
"It was a peaceful place," she continued, "until Zant took control and transformed all of the Twili into shadow beasts. It's clear to me now that he somehow gained a great power previously unknown to our tribe, by the one he calls his god." She cocked her head, trying to compose herself. "In any case, I was sent from there, and could no longer get into the realm without his power.... But there's a belief told among my people." Her eye flashed, the hopeful sparkle within it radiating. "Though the goddesses forbade us to return to the world of light, they left one link between the light and the darkness, passed to the protectors of Hyrule. The Mirror of Twilight. Your friend has given hope to this belief. It's our only path to the Twilight Realm."
Midna then seemed tentative, more afraid than Link had ever seen her. The dim twinkling of her eye showered so much agony that it seemed to combat the equal trust that cascaded from within her. She placed her smooth palm upon his cheek. Her hand was so small and seemed so fragile. She looked straight into Link's eyes, the distance between them seeming to be squeezed away entirely. "You'll come into the twilight with me … won't you?"
Link smiled and closed his hand around hers. "Midna, you don't have to ask me. You'll never have to ask me."
A warmth spread through her in that moment, and a small grin played with her lips.
Link would not leave her. He would stand his ground alongside her, and that was the most comforting thought she had ever encountered. Yet it still amazed her how fond she had grown of Link and how she trusted him so much. She could not think of a day that she could have not traded if just to see him smile, if only to know that he was there beside her.
If only such a feeling of security could always remain with her....
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REVIEWS FOR THIS CHAPTER:
*Shadymissionary Mar 11, 2010 Love the story! It's just so well done.