The wolf stalked its prey. The bug, only visible to the wolf's keen senses, scuttled along the path. The beast pounced, it's teeth sinking into the shelled flesh of the insect. Shaking his head to silence the creature, the wolf stood triumphant as the bug disappeared and was replaced by a ball of light.
Link collected the tear. It was the last one to go and now he would be able to return to his human form, if what the light spirit had said was true. As the boy, or rather, wolf, walked towards the light, his vision became blurred and brighter. It had done this previously when he had collected the other tears of light.
"Well done, wolf-boy. Now let's head back to the spirit to hand these in."
Link nodded and trotted back down the steep mountains. He had travelled a distance to reach the final light tear trapped inside the dark insect. He had jumped over tall rocks, climbed the steep mountain and battled twilight creatures to collect all the pieces. Now his trail was over he just needed to return back to Din in order to restore himself to his 'true form'.
Ganon sat on his throne, his adviser stood nearby with a list. The beast of a man signed. Though he was happy to be getting this over and done with, it was still boring and stressful thinking of what ways to through the perfect wedding for his bride. He didn't particularly care what anyone else thought of the ball, but wanted to make something special for Zelda. To win her affection.
"Sir?"
"What?!"
"Sorry, I-I asked you if you wanted to invite Zant."
"That fool? He has jobs to do! I'm not inviting that imbecile to my wedding."
"Okay, sir. I think that's everything we need. Would you agree?"
He sighed again. "Yes."
With a bow and a thanks the servant scurried off to make preparations for the event. Ganon had ordered for everyone in Hyrule Castle Town to attend. His cooks were busy making preparations for the meals. Ordering in large amounts of party food and meat, and ingredients for the cake. The wedding would be in a few days time and he needed everything to be just right.
"You'd better appreciate this effort I'm making for you, princess." He muttered under his breath.
Had it been anyone else, he would have cared not what they thought. However, there was something about Zelda that aired respect and dignity and he couldn't take that away from her. The princess and her dignity were high priority which is why Ganondorf was going to great lengths to make her wishes come true.
Link panted slightly, it had taken most of the day to reach back to the light spirit's pond and it was now noon. It had taken most of the night to get through the trial and find all the bugs and he hadn't rested. Midna had promised a rest after he was human again.
With a newly found thrust of energy, Link bolted forward through the village until he reached the pond. Within seconds, Eldin appeared before the two of them, blazing wings as glorious as before.
You have found all my Tears of Light and returned them to me. For that I thank you.
Link closed his eyes and bowed his head in thanks and when he lifted his head back up, he opened his eyes to find he was taller than before. Where his wolf body was smaller in height, his human body was taller. It hit Link that he was human again.
The boy gasped in delight. He couldn't believe it, it had worked!
"Eldin, I-" The spirit was gone.
He turned and twirled in search of Midna and the light spirit, only to find he was alone.
"Link."
Shocked, the boy stepped back.
"Midna? Where did you go? I can't see you."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a shadowy form of the imp appeared from the ground. Midna was the same as before except this time it was like she wasn't there, she was a shadow with only her visible eye gleaming red, standing out from the rest of the shadowed form.
"You did it, Link! You saved the village. It'll take some time for the villagers to wake up though, as they would be drained from the twilight realm consuming them. This is our chance to make it up the mountain again to the Gorons!"
"But, where did you come from?"
"Once the twilight realm was broken, and the normal realm was restored, my form could no longer be visible. I hid in your shadow to remain close to you. I'm still with you though, even if you can't see me. Now let's get going! Before the villagers wake up and disrupt our journey."
"But, what about rest? You promised I could sleep."
"We can sleep when you get to the top of the mountain, Link. If we go now we can get there by night."
With a sign he nodded. There was no point wasting time arguing. Midna dissolved back into his shadow and the boy turned to face the mountain. He had one hell of a trek to go and it wasn't going to be any easier in human form. He began walking.
The Goron had been throwing themselves at Link all afternoon. He had only managed to hold his ground with the help of the iron boots he and Midna saw near the blacksmiths house. He had grabbed them with the advise from Midna that he might need them later. She was right.
The Gorons would throw themselves down hill and roll into large balls, without the boots on, Link would fall over and be pushed down the mountain. To make any progress he had to wear them, though they slowed him down. But when the Goron threw themselves at him, he was able to stand his ground and toss them behind him.
By the time Link had found a safe cove in the mountain to rest, hidden from view, he was worn out. His training from the soldier calm had paid off, though. As his strength allowed him to fend off the heavy Gorons and make progress to the top of the mountain. Tomorrow, he and Midna would go into the Goron town and find out why the beasts were throwing themselves at Link no matter how hard he tried to reason with them.
The night sky was beautiful. Zelda sat on her window ledge, gazing at the stars and moon.
"How could Hyrule be so beautiful in a time of darkness?" The princess questioned to herself.
Many nights when Ganon hadn't returned to her room she would take the opportunity to relax and watch the stars. This way she could pretend that nothing was out of place and everything was okay. But deep down she knew she'd have to eventually face reality. With a sign, she climbed off the ledge and walked to her bed.
Part of her longed for the dark king to come and have his way with her but the less hormonal side knew she should be glad she has one night free from him as it's not often he leaves her alone. He must have been too tired from today to bother coming up to her room.
Another thought crossed Zelda's mind. Impa. Her adviser, her friend, her protector. Locked away in the dungeons. There had to be some way she could save her. The princess felt tears well up in her eyes as she thought of her friend being trapped in the cells below the castle. Dirty, hungry and afraid.
"I will save you, Impa. As soon as I find the chance I will demand Ganon releases you at once!" She said determinedly.
Though no one could hear her, she felt a bit better knowing she had promised herself and her friend that she would save Impa. Getting through to Ganondorf may be a challenge but if he had any speck of love or feelings for her, he would hopefully listen to her plea.
