Lonely Lotus

Chapter 7

I live on! Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you for patiently waiting for this new chapter/installment of this tale. I thank you for giving me newfound hope, demolishing my wall of writers block, and inspiring me to attempt new experiences. Even if you all may not know it, I really appreciate the thought and the time you guys play in this story. It makes me feel all mushy and fuzzy inside!

Although I cannot promise faster updates, I will tell you right now that the character underneath that you'll read in a bit isn't completely a made-up character. Just bear with me and play Sherlock for a chapter.

That's all I have on the matters at hand, so on with the show!


"Get up dammit!" Dark Link screamed, shaking the shoulders of the unconscious blond Hylian under him. His own crimson eyes were dull, a cauldron of emotions he would usually kill himself for having otherwise. But today his feelings weren't the priority - it had been two days since the fight, and the sickly hero wasn't responding to much. He only lay there in a guest room, completely still, nor did he make any noise other than soft snores occasionally. Nurses have been reoccurring, entering and exiting the bedroom with no reward. Link was still the same, only accepting water into his system.

"If this keeps up another day or so, we may have to consider...taking him out of his misery." One that came in no more than twenty minutes ago had dreadfully given the news to Dark Link, who showed her out by gently dragging her out by the hair. He wouldn't have anyone saying such things about the blond.

"Please, Link." he lowered his voice, sinking down to the bedside, "Please don't make me. I don't want to leave you. You can't leave me. We've only just started." He clasped his hands together, praying to anything and anyone, nothing and no one. He asked for Link's life. Asked for some type of forgiveness. He prayed for hope, a dying element.

After spending a great deal of time in this position, he raised himself to his feet slowly, not once taking his eyes off the Hylian's limp body. Dark Link left without a word, slamming the door on his way out.


Nightfall greeted the land as sunlight whisked away, it's finishing rays assuring return. Sleepy villages darkened, and only small amounts of reading light came from various homes. The entire kingdom of Hyrule seemed to be quiet and peaceful, but in reality, they were terrified for their future and the man they all feared.

Ganondorf. King of the Gerudo Thieves. And soon of all of Hyrule.

The villagers knew what was happening at the castle - the invasion. The Hylian Guard posing no threat for the Gerudo thieves, who were silently executing in the shadows. It would be a clean sweep, and then leave the hallway fit for a King.

They left one well armored man, however - and had him held down, a sword held against his neck, threatening him to move. Striding down the corridor, equipped with usual attire and a poison dagger, the invader's grin was malicious.

"Where is the King's room?" He growled toward the lone guard. The man was terrified, stuttering out directions. He even managed to add the best way to go without catching many guards, mentally hating himself.

"Thank you." He looked up to one of the thieves. "Kill him."

"Wait! I want to help!" The man cried, voice cracking and eyes stinging with the threat of tears. "Hear me out!" The Gerudo paused midstride.

Ganondorf turned his head to the side, slightly intrigued.

"I-I can be like a henchman or even lower! I'll do whatever you want, when you want! Just please - don't kill me!" The man begged. If it weren't for his helmet, everyone would see his tear-streaked cheeks.

"How can I trust someone I can't see?" Ganondorf fully turned, gesturing for the sword to be removed. He stalked up to the man, reaching over to forcefully remove his helmet.

Underneath the shiny metal was a young man. The hair on his head was short and a dull, ugly red. He had been crying, and his skin was pale, freckled, and dirty. The only feature about him that seemed to stand out were his wide, bloodshot eyes, which were a cloudy jade. I can work with that. Ganondorf thought to himself, smirking.

"Please spare me," the man whispered, more tears spilling out of his eyes, choked sobs and soft pleas filling the silent corridor. He lowered his gaze, staring at the other's boots.

"What is your name?" Ganondorf said sternly.

"Maron, sir." The redhead recited, his voice uneven.

"Why shouldn't I kill you this instant, then?"

"I only live to serve, and since I assume you will become the next ruler, I request that I continue my duties, at your side."

The silence afterwards was deadly. However, Maron knew he had won. His life would be preserved. He always got what he wanted - he didn't know how - it was one of the only advantages to his life.

"Your first test will be to eliminate the guards inside the King's room." Ganondorf finally said, gesturing for the thieves to release him. Now formally bowing to his future ruler, the young Hylian attempted to calm his pulsing adrenaline and soothe the shaky breathing. He would heed to the Gerudo's requests; after all, he had nothing to lose.


Dark Link made his way through his manor, wandering aimlessly about a labyrinth of hallways. He hung his head low, face locked in a mess of sadness and displeasure, mind utterly blank and void of thoughts. The world seemed dull to him again; the edges of his vision growing dull and lifeless. Color appeared to gradually vanish from vivid objects, leaving behind grey hues and shades.

"Not this…again." He spoke softly, voice barely audible. It was like he was resetting, reverting to how he felt back in the Water Temple. Alone in a world of shadows. His only purpose in life was to distract the Hero of Time, to try and stop him from continuing, even at the cost of his life. He waited patiently for what felt like an eternity, silently hiding in the darkness. Until, at last, the sliding of doors and faint twinkling of fairy wings was heard.

The moment the blond walked passed him to the conveniently placed door leading to the next item for the Hero's journey, Dark Link slid out of the shadowed tree as practiced, leaning against it with arms crossed. He smirked while watching the Hylian and his fairy share a surprised look when the door barred itself shut. He didn't know whether or not to toy with the Hero more before making his debut - slipping behind him to give a gentle push before vanishing again, kidnapping the smaller pest, or even leaving him stranded in this room forever, forcing him to feel the same way he himself did.

However, none of this happened since it was a matter of moments before the Hylian turned and flinched at the sight of his darker clone. Feeling offended and anxious, Dark Link wanted this to never be over. He wanted to see the forest green tunic and determined glare every day. He wanted to see it crushed under him, pleading for mercy.

"Sir!" A shrill, female voice train wrecked into the memory, snapping the called to reality. He turned, adjusting to the flood of colors returning to his vision. He recognized the woman as the one he booted out a while back.

"What is it?"

"Link, sir! He's awake."