MC: Hello again everyone! We updated pretty quickly with this one, huh? I'm a bit surprised but we both really got into it. I'm very happy with how it's turned out.
I want to thank everyone who's read the prologue and everyone who reads this chapter, your support means so much to me and I'm sure it does to Shadow, too.
I just want to say a couple things before we begin. I'm having such a great time working with her, I watch her write and look at what I write and it's just… I see so much potential and capability in her. I'm amazed at how quickly she's adapted to first-person from third-person. I'm so impressed.
I also want to say that I'm extremely happy with what this story could become. Two different styles in one story, it feels like it'd be so interesting to read. I hope it appears that way to all of you, too.
DISCLAIMER: We still don't own The Legend of Zelda. How unfortunate.
Now, here's the first chapter of Breathing Life into Myth. I hope you enjoy it.
(? P.O.V)
There. I can see it. What I've been looking for this entire time, I've finally laid eyes on it! And once I catch it, it will be mine. I reach out a hand and prepare to snatch up my prize:
A frog.
Yes, a normal, old frog, croaking on a lily pad. I lay on the edge of the water, the tall grass tickling my nose. I resist the urge to sneeze and lunge for the frog but I'm not fast enough and it hops onto another lily pad, far out of my reach.
"Dammit!" I swear. I sit up on my knees and cross my arms. I hear the rustling of fallen leaves and my shoulders slump in fear. I turn to face my mother, eyes wide with anxiety.
"Link," she sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "What did I tell you about your language?"
I hang my head. "To clean it up."
"And the frogs…?"
"…Not to catch and scare you with them," I mutter.
My mother allows a slight smile at my defeat. Lucky for me, her discipline never lasts more than a few seconds. "Good boy. We should go home, now. Your father will be home soon."
I beam at the thought. "Really? Already?"
"His soldiers got done their work early," Mother chuckles. She reaches down and takes my hand. "And I'm sure he'd like some pie when he gets back, you think?"
I'm practically bouncing up and down with excitement at this point. Mother's pies have always been the best! She bakes them only on special occasions, so it's been forever since I've had one. I leap to my feet and practically race home, my mother stumbling to keep up.
"There he is!" I shout. I jab a finger out the window at a group of men heading towards our house. They're little more than dots on the horizon, walking along the narrow, winding path lined with dense trees, but I recognize the banner held high by one of the soldiers: the crest of the royal family. It's a very simple design, just a golden harp on a white background. To be specific, it's the harp belonging to the Goddess of our land, Hylia. I've never seen her, but her miracles and legends have been spread across the country. Some of the older folks have seen her, though, and like to talk about it to the younger kids. I seem to be the only one who listens.
From the tales I've heard, Hylia is a radiant woman dressed in pure white and with long, golden hair. It's been said she used to come down often in the form of a human. I wonder what happened to her. Why doesn't she come down to visit anymore? Even so, the knights in our army still fight in her honor. Speaking of which…
I barely dodge my mother as she darts out of the doorway and into my awaiting father's arms. While I was lost in my thoughts, they had already reached our humble wooden home. I follow Mother's suit, jumping up and wrapping my arms around my father's neck. A strangled gag emits from him as I weigh him down. He quickly releases Mother and holds me up, supporting my weight. The rest of the men laugh heartily at his misery.
"H-Hello, Link," Father chokes out, catching his breath.
"Hi, Father!" I grin childishly. "How did it go? Did you kill a bunch of monsters?"
He suddenly wears a jokingly arrogant smirk. "Oh, please. Your old man isn't one of the army's top soldiers for nothing."
"Emphasis on the 'old,'" one man teases in the crowd.
"Dammit, Harvey, I will have you suspended for a month if you don't quit your crap!" Father snaps furiously over the crowd's laughter. Mother rolls her blue eyes, obviously thinking, "That's where he gets it from."
I tap my father's helmet to get his attention. "Mother and I baked you a pie for when you came back."
"Oh, yes, tha…" His voice trails off as he processes my words, his expression deadly serious. "Did you say pie?"
The entire army falls silent as well, all eyes on me. I narrow my gaze, nodding stiffly. "Yeah. I did."
"What kind?"
"Pumpkin."
"How many?"
"Enough to feed the army."
A beat of silence passes. We all stare at Mother and she shakes her head. She makes the face she always does when wondering what goes through men's minds. She stares back at us with an exasperated smile.
"It's on the table," she says.
The men cheer louder than they would after a battle victory. Father drops me and picks up Mother bridal-style, leading his men through the door. I can't help but smile at the celebration. This life of mine is simple, but I love it. Living out on the outskirts of the country, swimming in the pond during the summer, having a dad in the army…
My smile widens at the thought. Father certainly was the best. Someday I'm going to join the army and be just like him! I'll have epic adventures, destroy monsters, save villages, all that good stuff. But I need to wait until I get older. Once I turn sixteen, I'm enrolling in the army! And I'll continue Father's legacy!
"Link, don't you want any?" a young soldier asks, peeking his head out of the doorframe. "It'll be all gone if you don't get in here."
I gasp and stumble into the house, not allowing my slice to be stolen. Mother strolls up to me with a piece and set it in my hands with a gentle smile. I catch sight of Father eating his own slice with a childish expression. Mother pats my head and saunters off to attend to the men. I grin contently and rush to a small group of soldiers to eat with.
Truly life couldn't be any better.
(? P.O.V.)
"Lord Demise," a voice calls to me. I lift my head slightly, watching a red-haired man kneel down before me. "I've returned with some important information." I blink twice before nodding my head at him.
"Stand and continue then, Kael," I tell him and he does so, looking into my eyes. "I hope this is important."
"It is," he insists, scratching the back of his head once. "I know of a… particular soldier who has been slaughtering a great number of our forces."
"Oh? Is he that much of a threat?"
"His name is Aaron and he's a Commander in the army of the Hylians. The people look up to him; he gives them hope. If we do away with him their morale will definitely suffer and, not only that, but we'll have removed one of their greatest fighters."
"I see…" I trail off, standing from my throne as I walk over to him. "He will be handled in due time. I have an interesting idea. You have been a great help, Kael."
"Thank you, Lord Demise." He walks down the corridor and I follow behind him, turning through a door on the left as he continues straight. I walk over to a large pool of black liquid. I place my hand on the surface and slowly expel magic, the surface rippling as I reach a hand inside the pool. I feel something form in my hand and I grab it, pulling out of the fluid and bringing a wicked sword with me, the guard resembling spiked wings and the blade having several protruding, spiked sections. Near the hilt of the weapon is an inverted Triforce.
"A weapon befitting a true king. It can be more, though, sentient perhaps. A weapon that can act on its own on my behalf. Yes…" Arcs of black energy surround my fist before creeping up the sword. I release the blade, watching as it glows brightly in the air.
(? P.O.V.)
The first thing that comes to me is my sight. It's blurry, but there's definitely someone there. A black shape leans over me as I try to get my bearings. I make a weak attempt to grasp the floor and sit up, but I only fall back and hit my head on the tiles. My vision sharpens and I can see the dark figure grimace at me.
"...Perhaps I should make another one," it sighs.
I can't help but tilt my head a bit at its words. "Make another one?" What was it talking about?
"Sit up," it commands sternly. I wince a bit at its loud tone and try once more to pull myself off the floor. I'm still feeling weak and my head's still swimming, but I somehow manage. I stare into its flaming eyes, shaking a bit with fear. It wraps its large hand around my neck and jerks me into a standing position. I almost fall back down, but it holds me steady. "Unless you want me to toss you out, learn how to stand at least."
I wince at his words. Was this...thing really going to do away with me on a whim? Who was it anyway?
"My name is Demise," the creature said with an air of authority. "And I am not an 'it.'" He notices my shocked expression and shows a ghost of a smile. "I made you, so shouldn't I know what you're thinking as well?"
I blink stupidly. "M-Made?" I repeat slowly.
Demise nods, folding his arms over his chest. "Exactly. And as my newest creation, you are to do what I say when I say it. Understand?"
"Y-Yes," I reply nervously. If this man really did make me, then my life is in his hands, isn't it? I don't have much of a choice but do what he says…
"Oh, and another thing," Demise says. "You are to refer to me as 'Master.' Nothing else."
I nod vigorously. "Yes. Uh, Master," I add hastily, realising I forgot it.
"Excellent," Demise says. "Just obey my every whim and you won't have to worry about being erased from existence. Speaking of obeying, I have a job for you."
I raise an eyebrow. "A job?" I'm not going to question it, but was he really going to send me out this soon after I woke up? I didn't even know what I could do yet.
"There's an army commander named Aaron who lives in Hylia's land," Demise explains.
"Who's Hylia?" I ask curiously.
Demise shows frustration at my sudden question, but he still answers. "She is the Goddess of her country. It is filled with humans she doesn't know how to rule, so I figured I'd try my hand at it. And this 'Aaron' may just be a human, but I've heard of his capabilities. I've deemed him a threat, and I want you to take care of him for me. Think you can handle that?"
"I think so," I answer uncertainly. "You make it sound like these humans are weak, so it shouldn't be too much of a hassle."
"Humans, generally, are weak in comparison to us. However, make no mistake, they are very clever. Don't underestimate them, especially the ones I've deemed a threat to my plans."
"I understand."
Demise smirks at my words, seeing I've finally gotten the role of an obedient servant down. "Excellent. I'm sure you can find Aaron yourself. He's a well-known man, so he shouldn't be difficult to track down." He waves his hand and sends me off. "You can teleport wherever you like, so just leave whenever you're ready."
With that, he exits the room, leaving me alone. I gaze down at my reflection in the tiled floor and narrow my gaze at it. I can't help but be displeased with the appearance my master gave me. My muscular black body is covered with white markings while my hair is also colorless. Even my eyes are blank.
"This," I huff. "is boring." I smirk faintly as an image comes to mind. Yes… This would work much better than my current form. Pure. Perfect. No one would ever be able to match it!
I instinctively snap my fingers and I'm covered with a shower of orange diamonds. I can't help but laugh at the pure perfection I've thought up.
The only way to make it better would be having that man's blood stained upon it.
[Two Years Later]
(? P.O.V.)
I stretch out, groaning as I hear several popping noises come from my back. I look down at the pile of firewood I finished gathering, smiling at the fruits of my labor. I hear footsteps come from behind me and I look over my shoulder, spotting my wife running towards me. "Hello, Elena," I smile at her, turning and opening my arms.
"Aaron!" she cries, leaping into my arms and kissing me quickly. I grin, holding her up as I kiss her back, a beautiful burning overcoming me. I grab the back of her head, our kiss growing deeper and longer as fire fills my soul. All I want is to be consumed by the heat, to fall back and let the flames take control.
I stop resisting, falling back onto the grass with my wife as the small blaze transforms into a roaring inferno, my body succumbing to the beautiful conflagration of emotions and sensations. We continue for a few minutes before she pulls away, a low moan escaping my lips as the firestorm dies down from the loss of contact. "Why?"
"As much as the books like to proclaim otherwise, getting intimate on the ground doesn't seem like anything but uncomfortable," she tells me and I sigh heavily, standing up as soon as she gets off of me.
"I guess you're right," I tell her, craning my neck and looking back at the firewood. "I'm glad I managed to get enough in time, any later and it'd be impossible." I hear a soft chuckle from our home and I whip my head in that direction, stepping in front of Elena. "Who's there?"
"My full title is Demon Lord Ghirahim, though you may simply call me Lord Ghirahim," the voice tells me, stepping out of our home and into view. I raise an eyebrow at the extravagant red cape the white-haired man is wearing, not sure what to make of it. "What's the matter, has my beauty stolen your ability to speak?"
"I'm just… Not sure what to make of your dress. It's… Certainly something," I tell him, tensing as the man growls, clenching his hands into fists.
"Is that supposed to be an insult?" he questions and I shake my head, trying to appease him.
"No, no, I'm just not used to such a unique style. It's very befitting of someone named Lord Ghirahim."
"Oh!" He relaxes, a smile forming on his lips as he walks closer to us. "Well, I was supposed to find you two years ago, but I simply couldn't stand not having an identity. I spent so much time crafting one and I'm pleased that all my hard work paid off."
"I'm very happy for you. You said you were supposed to find me. Can I ask why?"
"Certainly! I was ordered by my master to… Eliminate you." He snaps his fingers at this, red blades appearing in a circle around him. He waves a hand towards us and I grab my wife before diving to the side, the daggers flying above us.
"Quick, run into the forest and find Link! I'll hold him off!" She nods, tears running down her face as she picks herself up off the ground and heads off into the woods surrounding our home. I look back towards Ghirahim, pushing myself up and running down the long pathway to our house, dodging a swipe from a blade he conjured and heading inside, running upstairs to our room. I pick my sword up off the floor, drawing it before looking out my bedroom window. My eyes grow wide when I don't see anyone there. I smash the window and jump out, rolling along the ground as I see more ruby blades flying out the window after me. My instincts scream at me and I move my sword in front of me, deflecting a strike from my attacker.
"I see why my master wanted you out of the way. You're certainly a fighter! That won't do, not at all." He disappears from view and I feel a shiver up my spine, something cold touching the back of my neck as I hear soft breathing in my ear. "Mmm, yes… I'm going to enjoy this. I just know I will." I pull away, spinning as I lash out with my sword, colliding with his own blade. I grit my teeth, grabbing the hilt with both hands as I try to overpower him. He chuckles again, effortlessly holding me back. He snaps his fingers, a second blade appearing in his free hand. I jump back, groaning as his next attack lands, a long slash covering my torso. I put a hand to my chest, blood pouring from my wound as I raise my blade, pointing it at Ghirahim.
"Who's your master?!" I scream, swinging my weapon to deflect more daggers.
"I don't think telling you will make a difference. In fact, it may just add to your suffering. Yes, that sounds delightful!" He disappears from view again and my I open my eyes in shock, a blade piercing me from behind and coming out of my chest. I cough, blood pouring from my mouth as the sword is pulled out of my chest. I drop to my hands and knees, arms shaking as I try to hold myself up. "My master is the Demon King, Demise. May his name haunt you in your final moments." He laughs loudly, snapping his fingers as his laughter disappears with him.
"No…" Is all I manage to say, strength leaving my body as my vision grows black, consciousness finally fading forever.
(Link's P.O.V.)
I shield my eyes from the beating sun. I'm back to catching frogs again (Yes, I'm still doing it.), but my hunt isn't going very well. It's the summer, so they should be out right now… I'm planning on putting one in Mother's shoe when she's about to go gardening, yet I'm all alone on the lake.
I take another look at the sky. It's beginning to get late. Shouldn't Mother come to scold me at this time? After all, it is about noon, isn't it?
"What's taking her so long," I mutter to myself. This certainly isn't like her, but I don't think too much of it. For all I know, she could just be sick, right? It is allergy season for her, after all. And if she is sick, then I definitely shouldn't be here trying to catch frogs to scare her with.
I pick myself up off the dirt and turn towards the forest, making my way into it. Mother and I take walks down it often, so I know my way around by heart. I shuffle my feet along the soil, leaving long tracks as I do. I blink in confusion when I see another set of tracks next to mine. I stare at them for a few seconds, suddenly in a panic. My father taught me that footprints like this meant that someone was running. Why would someone some through our woods? What would they be running from? There aren't any monsters here…
I instinctively begin to follow them, placing my foot in each of them as I walk. I begin to hum a song as my curiosity fades, being replaced by boredom. These footprints were probably from Father taking a run through the woods for some type of training. I was probably worrying for nothing…
"Link…"
I wince at the sound of my name. I look around for the source, but can't find it. Actually… Was that voice…?
"Mother?" I call worriedly.
She calls my name again and I feel my breathing hasten. Following the sound of her voice, I dart into an especially thick part of the forest, tripping over something along the way. I stumble up to start running again, but something grabs my ankle and I fall to the ground. I automatically assume it was a monster of some sort, but once I turn my head and see what grabbed me, my mind goes blank.
"Link," Mother says quietly, smiling the best she could. "You're alright…"
"Mother!" I gasp. I pull my ankle from her grasp and kneel at her side. "W-What happened?"
Mother made a weak attempt to laugh, but it only resulted in blood pouring from her mouth as she gagged on it. "I-It's nothing," she assures me in a whisper. "As long as you're safe…"
"Mother," I say sternly as tears begin wetting my cheeks. "What. Happened."
"N-Nothing," she answers hastily. I give her a doubting look. "J-Just run, alright? Run as far as you can."
"But-"
"Don't worry about me, dear," she says firmly. "Just g-go. If you don't…" Her voice trails off, a thought making fear fill her eyes. "I-It'll be alright. Head for the castle. Find the army. Y-You're the commander's son, they have to-"
She chokes on her blood once more as she vomits onto the grass. I ignore the small splotch that gets on my boots and take hold of her hand.
"Mother, I'll get you to the castle too," I promise, refusing to let my voice shake from grief. "The castle isn't that far. I can just carry you!"
Mother bites her lip. "M-My wound is too bad. I...don't want you to see it." I see her other hand tucked under her stomach, where the injury must be. "I'm not making it."
The crunching of leaves in the distance makes us both tense with fear.
"Run!" she snaps at me. This time I dare not defy her. Whatever attacked her is still on the loose and I certainly don't want to get in it's path. I nearly trip over her trying to get up and bolt as fast as I can away from the sound. I can hear my mother's stifled sobs in the background mixed with my own, but I can't bring myself to go back. I'm too scared…
The snapping of a twig makes me run faster. I can't really tell where I'm running to. Mother said to go to the castle, but Father…
I open my eyes wider in realization. Yes, Father! I have to warn him! I take a sharp left and rush into the more open path that leads to my house. It's not far from our home, so all I have to do is follow it. And before I know it, my peaceful little home is in clear view. Yes, almost there! I pick up speed and…
I skid to a halt before I collide with a body on the ground and stare at it silently in horror.
"F-Father?" I stammer. His empty eyes stare back at me, unblinking. I fall to my knees beside him and shake his arm. "Father?" Tears begin to fall freely from my eyes as my gaze settles on a gaping wound in his chest. I slump my shoulders, coming to the reality that he will never respond again. He'll never praise my sword skills. Mother will never tease his childish behavior. I'll never be told I'm loved again…
I bury my face in Father's injured chest, refusing to cope with the situation, refusing to believe what I had heard, refusing to acknowledge what I was seeing.
Refusing to accept that I was all alone.
*Darn, MC, how do you expect me to top that note?! Well, I'll try anyway. :P This chapter was a lot of fun to write, specifically when His Lord Fabulousness came in. ^^ I'm certainly happy with how this turned out… Though I did feel bad about pulling a Bambi and having Link's parents tragically die. ;_;
Well, among the chaos, MC really was a joy to work with. ^^ He was very helpful with his input and made me smile when things got stressful. :3
Link: You're being too sappy here. -_-'
Aaron: Yeah, you suck. :D
Oh, shut up, I killed you!
Ghirahim: No, I did. *cue rainbow*
...Screw this. =_= But seriously, MC is awesome. (^^)-b Hope you like this chapter!
k bye.*
