Disclaimer: Alright, I'll cut to the chase, I still don't own Zelda or anything that has to do with Zelda! Stop torturing me!!!
Author's note: Wow! How long has it been since I updated this story?! I'm soooooooooo sorry for the long delay. Stupid school and now a job has kept me from writing! On the plus side, today is the first day of my spring break! What a way to start a vacation off then to update a story, huh? I plan to update, hopefully, all of my stories at least once this week. Anyways, please enjoy this next chapter of Deceptive Shadow!
Ch. 3 – No Rest
The moon shone brightly through the many windows scattered around Hyrule castle, its light reflecting off of two beings that stood within the corridors.
Rusl had been pacing back and forth for the past hour. Link leaned heavily against the wall, sleep threatening to overtake him. For he hadn't had a descent night's sleep for the past two days. But both men remained awake, waiting to hear any news of the Zora's well being.
"Well, now we know that this thing isn't just after humans," Rusl thought aloud as he raised his right hand to scratch his chin, while continuing his pace.
Link lifted his head slightly from the wall, the sudden conversation of the creature alerting his senses. "It could attack the Gorons next," he stated as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes. He thought silently to himself, now concerned for the safety of every race within Hyrule. After a few moments, he looked back at Rusl. "I'm going to the woods tomorrow anyways for some supplies. I'll stop by Kakariko and give them a warning."
"Even if you warn them, it's not going to stop the attacks," Rusl sighed as he shook his head. "It's not safe going out anymore, even for you."
"Who knows if it's safe anywhere anymore. But someone has to protect the people and races of Hyrule."
"But there's only been two attacks," Rusl argued. "Who knows, maybe that's all we'll see."
Link paused for a moment before responding. "Two too many," the Chosen Hero spoke quietly. "All I know is that something evil is out there threatening my people even as we speak. And I'm not resting until I find this thing and destroy it."
"And here I thought you were actually going to have some peace for a change," Rusl sighed once more. He stopped his pace, then stood in front of Link, locking eyes with the King. "Link, you fought against Zant and Ganondorf, two very powerful beings. Just a couple weeks after that, you faced an even more powerful Ganondorf. Now, ten years later, it's happening again. Something big is threatening the Land of Hyrule and you feel the need to carry the weight of it upon your shoulders. Not to mention the occasional battle to save a weary traveler. You're going to wear yourself out," Rusl rested his hand on Link's shoulder. "Just take some times to rest and let us handle things for a while," he said, referring to their group at Telma's bar.
Link sighed as well, his feral eyes not straying away from Rusl's. "But Zelda and Stacia are in danger as well. I must protect them."
"I'm just suggesting. Please, think about it."
The men's conversation was interrupted as Zelda wearily opened the door and stepped out into the hall. "She's gone through the worst of it. Now all she needs is some rest… and water. I had to move her to the tub. She wanted to thank you, Link, but the poor thing passed out."
The tension was visibly seen on the men as their shoulders relaxed, relieved to hear they had not been too late to save her.
"She should be fine by tomorrow," Zelda continued, "just like Shad." She then began to walk down the hall, but suddenly had to stop and take hold of the wall, her other hand coming up to cradle her head.
"Are you alright, Zelda?" Link asked. Concern filled his voice as he stepped closer to his wife, taking her hand in his.
"Just tired," Zelda gave Link a reassuring smile. "Not knowing the problem, therefore having to heal the entire body is more exhausting then I thought."
Suddenly, Link's sharp ears picked up a silent noise that neither Zelda nor Rusl could here, movements hidden within the shadows behind him. "Rusl, escort Zelda to our bed chamber. I'll be right there."
After giving Link a curious look, Rusl finally took Zelda's hand and slowly guided her down the hallway. Once the two were out of sight, the Chosen Hero turned his gaze back towards the shadows. "All right, Stacia. Come on out."
Slowly, a child crept out from the shadows. Her long hair covered her guilt-covered face, knowing she was busted. "How did you know it was me?"
"Call it instincts. But I should be the one asking the questions. What are you doing here?"
Stacia's guilt quickly turned to anger as her eyes narrowed. "I wanted to know what really happened," she spoke quietly. "When I heard about another attack, I decided to listen in this time."
Link let out a long breath as he rubbed his face. "Yes, a Zora was attacked, but she's going to be just fine."
"So you lied to me," her question sounded more like a statement as Stacia crossed her arms and turned her gaze away from her father.
"I only liked to protect you," Link knelt down in front of his daughter, placing his hands upon her small shoulders. "I would never lie to hurt you. I didn't want you to worry about this."
"It worries me when my father is keeping me in the dark about something as important as a creature attacking people!" Stacia tried to push herself away from her father's grasp.
Link only brought his daughter closer until his arms wrapped around her. "I promise you, whatever this thing is; it's not going to touch you."
Stacia continued to struggle against his hold, but, of course, her father was a heck of a lot stronger than her. Eventually, she stopped struggling and wrapped her small arms around his neck. Her emotions collapsed as she began to cry into her dad's shoulder, her body shaking. "I'm sorry. I'm not mad. I guess I'm just scared."
Link allowed his daughter to cry, holding her protectively in his arms. "Don't be sorry, Stacia. It's alright. I'm scared too."
"Scared?" Stacia pulled away so she could look her father in the eye. "Dad, you're never scared. You're the hero."
"Just because I'm brave and I fight to protect, doesn't mean there are times when I'm not scared," Link wiped the unshed tears from his daughter's eyes, then took her small hands within his. "But showing one's weakness can lead to unpleasant consequences. So you must learn to hide your fear during battle. If you let it overcome you, you will not be able to find the strength within you to win. Always remember, 'a sword wields no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage.'"
Suddenly, the triforce of courage began to glow on both Link and Stacia's left hand. The Chosen Hero was used to seeing it by now, but he smiled as his daughter stared at her hand in amazement, still unused to seeing the powerful symbol upon the back of her own hand. "And that courage is found deep within yourself."
Stacia placed her hands over her heart as she gazed at her father with a new light. "Did you learn that by yourself, dad?"
"No. A very wise mentor taught me that a long time ago. Come," Link reached his hand out towards his daughter. "It's about time we both went to bed."
Stacia happily took her father's hand as they began to walk down the hallway. "Hey, dad? Can I go to the woods with you tomorrow?"
Link was about to ask how she knew, but chuckled as he remembered she was eaves dropping. "I don't see why not."
Colin, Beth, Malo, and Talo watched in amusement as Stacia and Abigail played among the soft grass of Ordon Village. The young princess stayed near to her father, who conversed with Fado, Bo, and Ilia, knowing they were going to leave soon.
"All right, I think that's the last of it," Bo stated as he checked the cart full of Ordon cheese, pumpkins, and other supplies, making sure there was plenty to go around for the residents of Castle Town.
"Thanks for your help, Bo," Link thanks graciously, nodding his head in the mayor's direction. "Remember, if you see anything suspicious, don't hesitate to let me know."
"Right," Bo nodded back. "Of course."
"I'll double check to make sure we didn't forget anything. Bo, could you help me?" Fado asked as he began to follow the grassy trail towards the ranch. Bo nodded and followed the tall Ordonian towards the stable.
As Link waited for the men to return, he watched his daughter amongst the other children; well, most of them preteens now. Stacia had found a small see and had placed it within a small hole she had scooped out of the ground. Once she covered it with dirt, she raised her left hand to hover over the hold, her eyes closed, her mind in deep concentration. For a few moments, nothing happened. The children circling her watched with curiosity, wondering what the young princess was trying to accomplish.
Then, the triforce of wisdom began to glow faintly on the back of Stacia's left hand. The children gasped in amazement as the small patch of dirt she concentrated on was beginning to move, as if something was trying to come out. Suddenly, a small green stem slowly ascended from the earth. As it rose, small leaves began to sprout out from the stem. A bulb that sat atop the stem grew larger and larger until it finally burst open, revealing a beautiful white rose with a tint of dark blue outlining the edges of the petals. The children applauded the princess, smiling and admiring the beautiful flower she had helped to grow.
"Why don't you just stay here for the night?" Link jumped as Ilia walked up and stood beside him. He had forgotten she was there. She continued. "It would feel a lot safer knowing you were around." She smiled, her green eyes shining like emeralds.
Link hadn't noticed how beautiful she was. She had grown from a young, naïve girl into an attractive young woman. "As much as I'd love to, I can't. If there is another attack, no one will be able to alert me."
He noticed the smile vanish from her delicate face. She tore her gaze away from Link and looked out upon the village. "But what if the next attack is here?" Her voice held a note of desperation as she slowly turned to face him again. "What if that creature attacks me next?"
Link held back a sigh as he saw right through Ilia's desperate attempt to keep him near to her. He wanted to remind her that his daughter was lying in the grass not twenty feet away from where they stood, but he knew no matter what he said, he wouldn't be able to blow out the flame of love she kept lit for him. "You know I'd come. I always have, haven't I?"
Ilia sighed as she looked at the ground. "I suppose."
Hearing a note of irritation in her voice. Link was about to give Ilia a long talk about their non-existing love relationship. But before he had the chance to start, Bo and Fado came running down the slope towards him.
"All right. You're lookin' good, Link," Fado panted, giving Link a reassuring smile.
Link returned the smile, grateful that the villagers didn't treat him like royalty. To them, he was the same Ordonian they had always known. "Thanks again. Well, it's about time we headed out. Stacia!"
Admiring her flower, Stacia's head perked up to her father's call. "Coming!" She waved to the older preteens and attempted to stand up.
Link noticed Colin was behind her in a second, gently taking her small hand within his and helping her to stand upright. As he led his daughter to their cart, Link got a good look at Colin.
No longer the small, frightened child he had known, Colin was now taller, about up to Link's shoulder. His short blonde hair had grown and now ended right below his ears. His body was built, probably from training with his father. And Link could see a loving glance in the young boy's bright blue eyes, directed towards his young daughter.
The Chosen Hero smiled at the two as they approached. He turned his gaze at Stacia. "I thought I told you not to show off?" He reminded as he patted her head.
"Sometimes I can't help it," Stacia smiled innocently.
"It's nice of ya to drop in from time to time, Link," Fado said as Link helped his daughter onto the cart, then followed suit. "Don't forget about us."
Turning to the villagers, Link made eye contact with everyone. Everyone, except Ilia, who had stormed away some time ago. "You know I could never do that. Please… take care of yourselves."
"Same goes to you," Bo nodded. "Whatever's going on, we all want to make it through in one piece."
"Bye, Stacia," Colin stepped forward. "See you soon?"
Stacia's cheeks turned a rosy color as she smiled and nodded.
Rays from the afternoon sun cut through the trees, casting what light it could upon Faron Woods. Birds chirped as they took flight from the braches high above, the trees swaying in the gentle breeze.
"So," Link broke the peace with his voice. "Is there something going on between you and Colin?"
"What?!" Stacia's face turned red as she tried not to look at her father. "No! Of course not! No! No… maybe."
Link chuckled, his daughter was clearly embarrassed. "As I thought."
Silence fell between them once again, the creaking of the wagon's wheels the only sound to break it.
"Dad?" Stacia began hesitantly, the rosy color in her cheeks no fading. "I know there's a nine year difference, but maybe…"
"Hey, slow down," Link smiled. "I'm not against it. I trust Colin. He's a good kid. But if you're thinking about getting married now, I'm going to have to say no."
"Of course not now!" Stacia squealed. "Dad! You're embarrassing me!"
Link could only laugh as the trees began to part, revealing the wide open field that was Faron Province.
"But…" Stacia began as she turned her gaze to the open sky. Gray clouds were rolling in from the west, threatening to pour rain down upon the land. "Maybe someday." The red flooding her face began to fade, the young princess becoming lost in her imaginings.
Remembering he wanted to talk to Renado and the Gorons, Link gently ruffled his daughter's dirty blonde hair, momentarily bringing her back from her dreaming. "You don't mind making a quick stop before heading home, do you?"
Stacia shook her head. "Not at all."
Whistling to Epona and with a quick jerk of the reigns, Epona veered to the right and set off for Kakariko Village.
As the two Hylians traveled, the sky began to grow dark. The storm was approaching quickly, causing Link to urge Epona on, hoping to make it to the village before the rain began to fall. With the small bridge in sight, he was sure that they'd make it.
Suddenly, a strange breeze swept through his hair, a breeze that felt very familiar to the Chosen Hero.
Pulling back on the reigns, Epona came to a stop. Link noticed his mare could sense something as well, her hooves stomping the ground nervously.
"Dad? What's wrong?"
Link did not hear his daughter as he focused in on the sensation that was sweeping through him. This breeze… It was the same ominous breeze that sent a chill running down his spine, the same breeze he had felt in the Sacred Grove. He could feel eyes boring into his back from a distance away, watching him, waiting for him. His thoughts immediately went to the shadowy figure he had seen for a split second, leaning against that tree.
Cautiously, Link jumped off of the cart. His left hand rested upon the hilt of the Master Sword as his eyes slowly swept over the field.
"Dad?" Stacia's voice was barely above a whisper as her eyes followed her father.
"Stay there, Stacia," Link said, his voice low, his mind elsewhere.
"Dad, you're scaring me. What's wrong?"
Everything happened so quickly after that…
The breeze turned into a strong wind, nearly knocking Link off his feet. He heard Epona whinnying frantically, he heard his daughter's scream, but before he could turn around to face the possible threat, something slammed into him, wriggling its way inside his body upon contact.
His throat closed up, not allowing the Chosen Hero to breathe. His body went numb, he couldn't move at all. Darkness began to cloud his vision, only blurry shapes were visible. If it weren't for the constant beating of his own heart within his head, he would've claimed himself dead for the second time.
"Dad! Help! Somebody, help! No! Dad, stay with me!" Stacia's cries sounded distant as Link saw her blurred form running towards his body. He wanted to reach out to her, to touch his daughter, but he still couldn't move.
Suddenly, laughter could be heard within Link's mind. A menacing laughter that sent more chills racing down his spine. A shadow's outline stood out from the darkness that clouded the Chosen Hero's thoughts.
"Half of what you are now belongs to me!"
If Link could've screamed, he would have as two crimson red eyes pierced through the dark, trapping his being within their gaze. It felt like the shadow was taking something from him, ripping a part of him away. But he couldn't, he couldn't find out what was taken as everything was shut out from view, as everything went black.
