A/N: Hello everyone. I have never written a fanfiction before, though I have done much creative writing in the past. However, after playing the masterpiece that is Twilight Princess, I was inspired to write one, especially to make up for the ending.
Despite this being my first Fanfiction, do not expect it to be one of those throw-away things you see come and go. It may not be the best written, but I have a clear idea of what I want to do and a semi-detailed plan of every chapter from beginning to almost the end. Finally, my spelling and grammar are not perfect. Not by a long shot. If you see any huge, glaring flaws, please kindly point them out so I can fix them up. Do not bother telling me of errors in the A/Ns. I write them how I talk, not with perfect grammar.
Now, to the story!
Towards the Twilight
Chapter 1
Link walked through Ordon Village, trying to ignore the stares and mumbles that followed in his wake. The people of Ordon, simple farmers mostly, had not gotten used to having a hero in their midst.
Despite the reaction of the people, Link had not felt anything like a hero as of late. His sword lay forgotten; untouched for months. Even his journey across the land seemed somewhat like a dream.
Except for one short moment. One short moment that had torn his heart and destroyed his dreams; one which he had been replaying in his mind constantly.
His mind could not help but wander back to Midna. In his mind, he replayed many moments from their adventure. Midna freeing him from his cell. Midna being struck down by Zant. Midna's departure to the Twilight Realm.
The destruction of the Twilight Mirror had shaken Link to his core. The thought that he would never again hear her voice was slowly eating away at him.
The people of Ordon had been quick to realize that something was wrong upon his return. Link, the once outgoing and cheerful farmhand, had become moody and reclusive. Almost all of them had approached him about it, yet every time he refused to talk about it.
How could I? he thought to himself. None of them were there. None of them would understand even if I did try and talk about it. They'd tell me to get over it and move on.
Link, completely engrossed in his thoughts, hadn't heard the footsteps that had been following him for quite some time.
"Link," came a quiet voice.
Link turned around to face Ilia. She, above all the others, had taken a special interest in discovering what was bothering Link as of late.
"Link," she repeated. "You know you can talk to me. Why won't you tell us what is bothering you?"
Link turned around and continued walking; Ilia followed behind. At first, it seemed like he was going to ignore her question. At last, he lifted his head and spoke.
"What makes you think there is anything wrong?" he asked.
"Oh please. Link, you never used to be so down all the time. Tell me what's wrong, please?"
"You wouldn't be able to understand," Link said.
"I don't pretend to know what happened during your journey," said Ilia. "And perhaps I'm not able to understand what's bothering you, but surely there are some people who can. I care about you Link, we all do."
Without another word, Link walked off towards his house
"Link," said Zelda. "You know she was just doing what she felt was right. She never wanted to hurt you, I'm sure of it."
Link continued to ride forwards, towards Hyrule Castle. He gave no indication that he had heard what she said.
"I know how you felt about her," the Princess continued. "and it's not likely to get any easier, but Midna would want you to be happy."
At last, Link turned to face the Princess. His eyes shimmered with tears; sadness clear in his voice as he spoke.
"I just wish she would have told us beforehand," he said.
"If she had told you, would you have let her do it?"
At this, Link put head down once more and continued to ride towards the castle.
---
Several hours later, Link lay awake on his bed recalling Princess Zelda's words. Though meant kindly, they had done little to help him.
Upon returning to Hyrule Castle, Link was heralded as a hero. That was something that he definitely didn't want. As such, on the night before he was to be awarded with the Order of Hyrule, he snuck back to his hometown of Ordon. The Princess had seemingly got the message, as nobody had come to look for him.
Still, something was bothering Link tonight.
"And perhaps I'm not able to understand what's bothering you, but surely there are some people who can."
Ilia's words from earlier came drifting back to him. Surely there are some people who can. It was something Link had never put much thought into.
Then, it hit him. Zelda. If there was one person who could help him find what he needed, it was her. Link knew that the Princess herself knew next to nothing about the Twilight Realm, but maybe, just maybe, she could show him someone who did.
Still hours before dawn, Link was preparing to leave. He had dug out his old sword and tunic, and was busy saddling Epona.
In just a few hours time, he thought, I might just have a place to start.
The thought that he might be able to see Midna once again seemed to quicken his already fast pace. Before a half hour had passed, Link was ready to depart. He jumped up on Epona's back, and with one last look back, left Ordon Village.
Unbeknownst to Link, someone had been watching Link's departure. From behind the bushes, Ilia had watched him leave. She muttered something that sounded like 'Good Luck' before turning around and heading home.
"Link…I…"
Every bone in her body wanted to tell him; to express her feelings after all their time together. But, alas, she knew it would not be fair to tell him something so heartfelt, only to leave him forever.
"See you around."
Finally, she let her tears flow free. The Twilight Mirror shattered, and she turned to go back home. She couldn't bear to look upon Link's face.
---
"Your Highness," came a voice from behind. "please wake up."
Midna slowly lifted her head from the desk where she had fallen asleep. A quick glance revealed the source of the voice to be Miramas, one of her most trusted advisors.
Miramas had been one of the prominent figures in the rebuilding of the Twilight Realm. It was him who had brought order to the land upon Midna's return. Many of the Twili had wanted him for their leader, though he claimed to have no interest in it.
"Your Highness," Miramas repeated. "I am truly sorry to disturb you. However, the council has requested your presence immediately."
Midna groaned. To her, anything short of Ganon's return would be better than standing before the council.
"I do not feel like going. Tell them I am sick or something to that effect. I trust you to make up an excuse," said Midna.
Miramas had always been skilled at reading Midna's expressions, yet he did not need to do it here. He could already guess at what was bothering her.
"You dreamed of him again, didn't you?" he asked.
Midna straightened her garments, obviously reluctant to answer the question. Catching on, Miramas spoke up once again.
"I am sorry to hear of your illness, your Highness," he said with a smile. "I will tell the council that you must reschedule, and I wish you a speedy recovery."
---
Ending A/N: This chapter has seen more rewrites and revisions than most entire stories do. I still don't like it; not at all. I promise you the next one will be a bit better. On the topic of the next one, I don't keep to a strict schedule. I update when I'm done. Still, expect an update every 1 – 3 days.
Reviews and comments welcomed, flames will be ignored.
