Author's Notes: Another chapter from me! Yeah it took a while… My pathetic excuse is that I've been so busy with my new Wii (which totally rules) as well as school to have much time to write. I got a laptop recently, so now I can get on everyday to type though my parents still prohibit the Internet. I'll try to update more, but I have two other stories, so I don't know… I bet you're tired of me going on and on. Let's just start!
Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda, Nintendo does.
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Chapter 7: Countdown
Midna sighed and crossed her arms. She quickly scanned her empty room. Devincha was gone and Midna was hoping that Link would be here soon. For now, she would look for Griff and get some answers. This time Midna wasn't going to let Griff kid around. She wanted straight answers, not some short riddle-like words.
"Griff! Griff!" Midna uncrossed her arms and clenched her fists in anger. Griff was still nowhere to be seen. What if he ran to tell Galathron? Anger seized the Twili and she yelled again, "Come here now, Griff. And that's an order." Her voice took a steely tone. She hated being like this, but desperate times come for desperate measures.
Out of nowhere, Griff appeared. His face seemed a tad paler if that was possible for the white-skinned Twili. He smiled nervously. Midna's eyes had widened. She had expected to see him come out of a hiding place, not instantly appear in the middle of her room.
"Hehehe…." He laughed nervously before launching into an explanation, "I turned myself invisible with some magic. A simple cloaking spell." He shrugged, showing it meant no big deal to him.
Of course, Midna knew Griff was making it seem easier than usual. All Twili had magic, but some were better than others. A 'simple' cloaking spell as Griff put it was actually magic that only few could use. If anyone had known Griff had this magic, they would've instantly appointed him to become a Twili mage; maybe even one of the Grand Mages. Becoming invisible wasn't easy magic and even Midna couldn't do it.
"A cloaking spell isn't easy magic, Griff. Why didn't you tell me you had magic of this strength?" Midna's eyes were narrowed in suspicion and it showed in her voice. It was terrible that she had to be so suspicious of one of her best friends, but right now she wanted to know what else he had hidden from her.
"I didn't think it was important," said Griff with a shrug. "Plus, I didn't exactly want to be a mage. I mean, they live such boring lives." Midna felt a smile tug at her lips as she looked at the smile on Griff's face. Even if so much had changed, Griff's personality was still much the same. He just had some new secrets she had never known of before.
"Well then why did you disappear when Devincha appeared?" Midna looked at him. She was still suspicious, but she didn't let it show.
"You're not going to stop interviewing me anytime soon, are you?" Griff said with a hopeful smile. The questions were bothering him a bit. Midna shook her head for no. "I figured." He sighed unhappily. "Well…. Ummm…."
"Just answer the question. I won't hate you or anything." Midna said, trying to smile despite the irritation pricking at her. She wanted answers now.
"I just thought she wouldn't like me…." Griff lowered his head. His red hair fell in front of his eyes, obscuring his eyes from Midna. What he had said was a half-lie. Well it was more like only half the story.
"Why not? Devincha is my ancestor. She's not evil. Why wouldn't she trust the guard of her own bloodline?" Midna wasn't pleased with his answer. She knew that he would soon answer all her questions. It was always like this. First, you don't know anything and then at the big showdown, you learn everything. In Midna's mind, the big showdown was coming soon.
"You didn't trust me always." Griff said. Midna was a bit surprised to hear bitterness in his voice. "And you still don't trust me entirely." He finished with a sigh.
"I couldn't trust you after you… betrayed me." Midna was no longer sure if it had been true betrayal. Perhaps Griff had really just been playing around, to keep her and the kingdom safe. If so, then she knew she had to trust Griff right now. Heck, either way she had to trust the Twili.
"I know… But trust isn't the problem." Griff's eyes were watching the floor, not that Midna could tell. In the far reaches of his pupils, unshed tears rested and waited to be released.
"Tell me why Devincha wouldn't like you." Midna didn't want to put this much pressure on Griff. She really didn't, but it seemed the only way to learn. And Midna hated being left in the unknown. It drove her insane especially when she didn't understand why Griff wouldn't say anything.
"You'll learn soon enough…" His voice echoed a bit, putting a grand effect on Griff's words. The words had a chill to them and Midna shivered a bit.
"Who knew you could sound scary?" Midna said, in an attempt to make Griff smile. It worked and he lifted his head a bit. For a second, Midna felt like she was in the past when the duo always was joking around.
"I try." Griff was smiling now. He also remembered the old days. Wow, he felt old just thinking like that. He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Want me to try again?"
"Maybe later." Midna hated to be the one to get serious, but there was no time for joking right now. "If you're not going to tell me about why you can't face Devincha…. Wait, have you met her before?" It was possible since Griff had had the amulet with him though it had been cold.
"Nope… And unless you count me seeing her while being invisible, then I still haven't met her." The smile was still on his face, but Midna could tell he was unhappy to be talking about this again.
"Well then… If you won't tell me anything about her, tell me more about your magic." Midna knew she could pester him for answers later. Maybe Link could get some things from him even if he wasn't the best questioner. Thinking about Link made her heart twinge, but not in the pain that had picked at her heart since she had come home. Now it filled her with joy since she knew they would meet soon.
"Well… My magic's fairly powerful though it isn't as strong as Galathron's or yours." Griff cocked his head. "Well maybe it is stronger than yours, but I've learned more on magic than you have. If it's stronger, than only in certain magics." He was speaking thoughtfully now.
"And where did you learn magic?" Midna didn't entirely want to keep bombarding the Twili with questions, but curiosity was getting the better of her. Griff could tell easily, which is why he smiling.
"Eh, some books and a teacher." He shrugged. Seeing the confusion on Midna's face, he added, "There are other talented magic users other than the mages in this castle. Not everyone wants to live in such a lavish place." He gestured around the room and at Midna's silk sheets. While the mage rooms weren't as luxuriant, they were still impressive.
"Oh…" Midna nodded her head as she thought it over. She had always known there were other magic users that had no true alliances to any kingdoms, but she had never expected they would take on an apprentice. "So why did you become a guard? As a magic user, you could've become a mage or a higher ranked warrior."
"Aren't I in a very high position as it is? Personally guarding the princess is pretty high up on the ladder. Plus, I prefer fighting with a sword to magic. While it is a million times more possible to die while sword fighting, it's much more exciting." He grinned. "Though magic has its fun times and perks."
"Is that how you found the amulet? Did you sense it?" Midna thought about what he said about finding it in an unused armory. Most people didn't poke around in the old buildings and she was sure Griff wouldn't wander around them with no reason.
"No. I did a bit of reading and found out about the amulet. I looked through some more texts because it seemed interesting… Once I found out it was in the old armory, I just had to go there. The amulet actually sensed me first. It started glowing and I spotted it. That place is pretty creepy." Griff shivered though he was joking. The story was true.
"And why did it glow?" Midna was intrigued with all this talk of magic. She had never known too much about it despite being taught the basics plus a bit more by her magic tutor. The amulet that she wore around her neck interested the Twili. Right now, it was colder than it had once been though something inside it was still causing warmth that Midna could feel radiating from the small stone.
"It just did." Griff said hastily. Midna caught the lie, but she didn't remark on it. She remembered what Griff said about all would be clear soon enough. The curiosity was unbearable, but she knew she would get no answers. Griff smiled a silent thanks at her.
"What now? I'm tired of waiting." Midna crossed her arms. It was true. Waiting for the big fight that was sure to come was one of the worst things. Anticipation at seeing Link and fear that he might die were mixing in with her own excitement at finally fighting Galathron and learning some of Griff's secrets.
Griff looked out the window and his eyes widened. Even if the sky changed little, there was still a small difference between day and night. They could see that it was night by the slight darkening in the orange sky. He hadn't realized that it was this late. In truth, Griff knew that Galathron would be preparing something very terrible.
"We have to confront Galathron now." He said as he looked back at Midna. His voice was grave and serious. It was so unlike what Griff's usual personality.
"Why can't we wait for Link?" Midna looked at Griff with burning curiosity. She didn't want to head into battle without Link. It wasn't that she was scared; on the contrary she really wanted to fight him. However, Midna did want to speak with Link before the battle. Maybe even tell him her true feelings.
"Well, we don't know exactly when he'll be here." The question seemed to make Griff nervous again. He rubbed the back of his head before shrugging. "Devincha did go to the Light Realm to Zelda, but we have no idea how long it'd take for Zelda to reach Link."
"Zelda could get to him fairly fast…" Midna said with confidence. Another thought reached her. "What if Link isn't in Ordon? How would he be found?" This thought scared her because it meant she might not be able to see him.
"We just hope he's in Ordon." Griff grinned. "Well, let's go. I'm sure Galathron will be surprised and I'm also sure that it will be very amusing seeing him surprised." The grin widened. "And the shock etched on his face when we win will be fabulous."
"Yes. I'm sure this battle will be very entertaining." Midna answered Griff's grin with a smile of her own. Cockiness was filling her as well as excitement.
"Let's go then. While we have the element of surprise and before Galathron comes in to 'speak' to you about the wedding." Griff motioned his hand to Midna as he opened her door and poked his head out. Luckily Griff had managed to keep the hallways free of any guards. "Come on."
"So… How do you know Galathron?" Midna couldn't handle not knowing. It was getting worse and worse as she was told to wait longer. Midna stepped outside of her room, surprised that there were no more guards. "Why aren't there any other guards?"
"Well… Those are long stories, but I'll tell you this; Galathron's guards look to me as a captain. I told them to clear out. They're terrified of Galathron, so they did what I said; too afraid to ask Galathron if this was true." Griff walked through the halls with ease as if this was natural and another day spent in normality at the Twilight palace.
"Tell me about how you know Galathron while we walk." Midna hated commanding her friend, but sometimes it's necessary. Not that he usually listened.
"I promise you that I'll tell you during the battle. Maybe even a little after." Griff shrugged. "You know I keep every promise I make." The two walked in silence for a while before Griff spoke, "How do you plan to fight?"
"With magic." Midna said. A tinge of pride came in her voice. Her magic was good though she did wish for the Fused Shadows. They had been destroyed in the battle with Ganondorf. Yes, it would definitely be nice to have the Fused Shadows to fight Galathron with.
Griff rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You don't understand how powerful Galathron's magic is. He's studied dark arts for so long as well as dappled in forbidden magics. You need a lot more power if you plan to fight him." He paused, a warm smile on his face. "Luckily I brought along something for you. Try it out."
Twilight particles flew from Griff's arm and hovered above his hands. They began to form a shape that Midna soon recognized as a sword sheath. Finally, the particles stopped shimmering and Midna could see what Griff was holding. It was an ornate sword sheath. Blue Twilight markings flickered across the black leather, changing and moving. The golden hilt of a sword could be seen.
Griff continued his monologue, "The sword encased in this sheath is the Twi Blade. Like the amulet, it can only be used by one of the royal house. Of course, this one is more exclusive. Only your royal house can use it as opposed to the amulet, which can be used by the royal houses of this kingdom as well as Celestria's family. As I was saying, the Twi Blade is extremely powerful."
"So… I'm supposed to use this. You know, I've never really fought much with a sword before." Midna's eyes were locked on the sheath. It was beautiful and a part of her wanted to draw the blade it held inside.
"Yes, I know. A shame you never bothered to learn." Griff said with a grin.
"I had better things to do." Midna shrugged, still watching the sheath. Griff noticed her looking and offered it to her. She placed her hands on it and tried to take it from Griff, but he held on. Midna's eyes left the sheath and looked into Griff's green eyes, searching for why he wouldn't hand the sword over.
"Be careful with this. It's powerful and more ancient than the amulet. As you know, the amulet was created by the children of Gavin and Devincha. This blade is said to be created by the goddess of the Twilight Realm." Midna's eyes widened. Griff nodded his head.
"So…. This is like the Twilight Realm's version of the Master Sword." Midna asked, in hopes of better understanding. Griff laughed and nodded his head.
"You can put it like that. Anyway, after our ancestors and the goddess were sent here, the goddess created this blade." Griff paused. It was true what he said. Long ago, the Twili had worshipped a goddess, but over the years, they lost hope. Eventually most of them forgot. Only a few knew like Midna about her and even fewer actually knew anything. The old legends and stories were forgotten as was the goddess. One of the few stories to be remembered was the one of the blue-eyed beast that would one day save both Realms.
"The Twi Blade was created for whenever trouble threatened the royal family. It was kept in the room of either the king or queen, whichever one had the blood of the royals in them. A few years after Devincha's death, a spy intruded the Twilight palace. He did little, but steal the Twi Blade." Griff was interrupted by Midna.
"This spy? How did he take it?" Midna and Griff had begun to walk again. Her eyes were watching the sword sheath that Griff still held.
"I don't know. I wasn't much of a scholar. Anyway, he took it to Celestria where he presented it as a gift. The king took it, but he couldn't draw it. He became angry, and killed the spy on the spot. Gavin's son had quite a temper. That's when the king decided to lock away the sword in his room, so no one could ever get it especially someone from this kingdom." Griff shook his head in amusement.
"How'd you get it?" Midna looked at him. He noticed the slight distrust in her eyes.
"Don't look at me that way. What can I say? I was adventurous and I still am. I loved finding things. I… used to live in the castle in Celestria. Quite a beautiful place, you might like to see it sometime. I intruded into Galathron's room one day because I thought I might find something of interest. And I did. I managed to find this sword and I realized I had uncovered the blade of Twilian legends." Griff laughed before adding, "Galathron wasn't happy when he found out that I had gone in his room. In fact, he gave me a harsh punishment, but he never did find out about the missing sword. Heck, I don't think he ever knew about it."
"You have a tendency to go into areas you shouldn't, don't you? As well as finding weird things buried there." Midna gestured at the amulet she still wore while Griff nodded his head.
"I suppose. It isn't that bad. And it did help." Griff flashed a grin. He stopped walking. Midna stopped as well and held out her hands, almost begging. "Alright. Just be warned, this blade isn't normal. It has magic in it, powerful and corruptive magic." Midna pulled her hands back a bit. Her eyes glanced at Griff, almost in fear.
"Corruptive? Like how?" Midna asked.
"I don't know. It's just said to have good and evil inside of it. Fortunately, I'm sure you won't feel anything bad about it." Midna sighed in relief. Griff added, "Only those of the royal house can use this blade, let alone draw it from its sheath."
"Well, here goes nothing." Midna took the sheath from Griff's hands. Instantly, she felt power surge through her like a wave. She felt blown back. Midna couldn't imagine what she would feel like when she actually drew the blade. With Griff's eyes watching her, Midna placed her right hand over the golden hilt and drew the Twi Blade.
The blade itself was shimmering ebony black. The hilt was golden, but Midna could now see that a small stone was embedded in the gold. The small stone was a deep onyx though Midna could see reflections of something in it. She didn't look any further into the stone. The hilt had two golden wings coming from it. After a few seconds, Midna noticed green Twili markings spreading up from the hilt around the blade. They were always shifting, illuminating the darkness of the blade. Midna felt power running up and down her spine and washing over her body. It felt good.
"Wow…." Griff watched with fascination. He glanced up at Midna's wide eyes. They were riveted on the blade with a great desire. He felt a chill go through him though he ignored it. A few minutes passed. Griff crossed his arms. "Let's go." He shook Midna's arm. Finally her eyes left the sword and she nodded her head.
"Right…." Midna put the sword back into its sheath. The sheath burst into particles that disappeared into Midna's arm. She began walking briskly, eager to fight Galathron with her new weapon.
Griff was walking in front. He had made sure there were no guards between Midna's room and Galathron's. In fact, all of them were on the outside, watching for hidden enemies that Griff had lied about. He laughed silently before looking over at Midna. Disturbed at her fascination with the blade, Griff wondered how the battle would turn out. It was bound to become a problem one day, thought Griff.
As they rounded a corner, Griff put a hand on Midna's shoulder to stop her. She stopped and he pointed to the doors ahead of them. Midna didn't ask Griff how he knew where Galathron was, but she felt chilled that they would fight in the same room that Link had fought Zant in. The silence was bugging Midna. Even before they had gone in to fight Zant, Link and her had joked around a bit before both of them said they would win easily.
Griff nodded at Midna. She made the particles of her sword rise into a black cloud, but Griff shook his head. The princess looked at Griff with a little confusion though she didn't draw the sword as the particles formed a sheath. On Midna's command, the sheath attached itself to the side of her skirt. The amulet on her pulsed softly. Midna's eyes were on the door as Griff inched over.
The battle was coming closer. Midna was still wondering where Link was, but she said nothing. There was no time to turn back or just hang around. Griff opened the door with some telepathy that Midna didn't know he had. They jumped forwards to find themselves in a dimmed room.
The throne room… A blood red carpet stretched towards a large chair at the end of the room. It was ornate, and engraved with the crest of Celestria, a giant crescent moon. In the chair sat Galathron. He wore a smirk on his face, but Midna could barely see him. His black armor hid him so well in the dark room.
"So you've finally decided to come?" Galathron said with a sneer. "I was expecting more company. Oh well… Don't you love me, darling?" Galathron's voice had turned from bitter sneer to a bittersweet, honeyed voice.
"I'd rather love a rat than a dirty Twili like you." Midna growled. Now that the battle was about to start, she felt no need to act polite in front of the prince of Celestria.
"Dirty? Is that what you think of me?" Galathron was still smirking, not a good sign. "What about that traitor you've got? Or the filthy light dweller that hasn't even come?" He motioned Griff.
"Griff's my friend, and even if he's got his secrets, he's better than you. And Link will come…" Midna was still glaring at Galathron. Her eyes were raging now though her voice had lost a little hope when she had mentioned Link. What if he doesn't want to leave the Light Realm just to help me out?! What if he doesn't show…
"Well then, where is he? Did he chicken out?" Galathron was still smirking. He added, "And you don't even know the real Griff."
Midna was about to say something, but Griff put in, "How about you? Why don't you come and fight us instead of standing across the room like the coward you really are?" It was true; Griff didn't think much of Galathron. He hated him and now he could show it. It was getting tiring acting like he liked Galathron's ways, or was one of his dumb servants.
"Alright then. Let's fight." Galathron rose from the throne in one fluid motion and leaped towards Midna and Griff. His hand was sparkling with Twili magic.
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Author's Notes: Great time to cut off isn't it? This has been one of my longest chapters yet… Actually I think it is my longest :D I know things might be a bit confusing with the sword and the amulet, but I'm planning a surprise with them. You'll see what it is later. This was a fun chapter to write, but I think the next will be far more exciting with a lot of action. Adieu for now! Oh and please fatten me up with reviews… puppy-dog eyes Pwease….
Twilight Phantom Dragon
