To Baby Mama Valkyria: Thank you! Yes, it is indeed : ) I'm happy you're so excited for this, I'm excited, too ^w^ She'll have those moments once more, but with more of a vengeance :3c My personal favourite arc is the one after this though. I loved expanding the lore very much ^_^
Extra:
To Redjadeelric: Yay! Yeah I'm glad you think so! Yeah her meeting Zelda was just an idea that formed and became a thing. It'll be further addressed in ToaL once I complete redoing the first few chapters. Yep, even a Hero has a family to look back on! And this is just from Rusl's view, just wait until the end of ToaL ;)
To arrowriver: Yay for fluff! \(^0^)/ Yep, even if she doesn't want to admit it xD
To Guest (Kandi): Well I try xD (Alas, we are all lazy sometimes, lazy butt)
Chapter 7: Reunited
Many times over the last few months I have fainted or collapsed after a Temple. After a fight with some sort of Twilit-corrupted beast or some other kind of creature I was almost always beaten to the edge of death. I bet without the endurance from my Triforce I would be by now. But that doesn't stop the world from trying to kill me. The results usually end up with me sleeping in a bed or on the rare occasion out in a field of grass or snow. I always feel a different kind of pain through the different monsters I have faced. So warning signs trickle into my mind as this particular ache I feel now is familiar.
It's not a certain body part that hurts, it's my entire body. From head to toe and inside-out, I feel like I was being burned alive with my bones breaking. Most notably my spine and limbs hurt the most, leaving me unable and unwilling to move. My tailbone is next and when I shift my thoughts to it I feel a tail move. Okay, so that means I'm a wolf right now. These are the same aches I felt waking up in that cell that fateful day. But I don't understand why I hurt so bad. The last few times I've transformed I haven't felt any pain aside from the split-second of my spine snapping into place.
This gives me the sense that something is terribly wrong. But maybe my mind's playing tricks. I could have gotten really hurt during the last few minutes of the Temple and turned into a wolf after. But this answer doesn't leave me satisfied. In fact it leaves me more paranoid that something about the world isn't right.
As my mind beings to rise from the murky depths of my subconscious I hear muffled voices above me. At first I can't understand what they are saying. They become louder the more I wake and I open my eyes slightly when I can hear them clearly.
"So this really isn't uncommon."
"It was a surprise if we managed to get out of a situation with her unscathed. This kind of thing is both old and new, given the circumstances. I've never come across a spell like this before."
"I wish I could say I was surprised. I never even knew a spell like this could exist."
"Well well, look who's decided to wake up." The far-too-familiar voice above me says and I feel a hand rest on my back.
'Five more minutes...'
"Oh come on you lazy mutt, two months and this is how you intend to greet me?"
This makes me jolt and my eyes become wide. I am aware that I'm at the shore of Lake Hylia and that it is midday, but I forget all that as I look up and blink. It can't be, how could she be here? These hows and whys pass through my mind as I stare up at Midna, the tall Twili Princess with a devilish grin. I'm laying in her lap as she sits cross-legged in the grass, one hand behind her for support as the other runs across my back and neck.
'Midna! What are you doing here?'
She giggles, her usual high laugh that used to annoy me but now I welcome with open arms. "You tell me, you called me here after all."
'I did what-now?'
"Yesterday? When you reached out during the Hour of Twilight? Yeah, I heard you," she winks with a grin. "You sounded so desperate I decided it would be best for me to come, with my mother's approval. But before I ask, we should probably tell you about your new little...predicament."
So excited to see one of my closest friends again I failed to notice how much bigger she is than before. Now with the excitement dying down the sense of wrongness grows, making my ears lay flat against my skull. 'You're too big...'
"Well, that's not exactly it." I turn my head to see Navi sitting on Midna's knee. She looks bigger than she should be, too, but not nearly the way I see her as fairy-size. "Do you remember what happened in the Temple?"
'Somethin' was attackin' me and Sheik when that Sphinx was defeated. With magic.'
"Yeah. A magic bolt meant for Sheik hit you when he brought up a shield and a shattered piece of rock, about the size of a fist, hit your pressure point. It was just enough to transform you into a wolf. But the bolt that hit you...it began a different change."
I feel my mane prickle upwards in anticipation. Knowing full-well were this is going I look down at my paws before either can say anything and feel my heart leap to my throat. My paws are much smaller than they should be, the shackle that used to be there has moved around to my neck. I sit up and look down my chest, feeling my heart rate increase as I see how short my forelegs are. Getting another good look at Midna and Navi my ears fall flat. 'Please don't tell me...'
"You're a cute little puppy," Midna ruffles the top of my head with a giggle. "Believe me as long as I wanted to watch you sleep with your tongue out like a complete dork, we tried turning you back to normal. This pressure point of yours is new, but the results should have been the same as with the Shard. But apparently that isn't the case."
'You mean I can't turn back? I'm locked as a wolf again? Not even the Master Sword can fix this?'
"No. We tried, though," I notice the Blade of Evil's Bane sitting in the grass and the trace of burn marks on Midna's hands.
"Looks like that is the case," Navi bobs, her aura dim. "We'll have to get to Zelda as soon as we can. Surly her library will shed some light on this."
'I hope so.'
"Okay, now that you've woken up, can I ask why you tried calling me here?"
'Only if you tell me how you got here.'
"The Mirror wasn't the only way to travel between worlds, just the quickest and easiest. My people can still come here but it takes a great amount of magic. I still feel drained. Now answer me. You wouldn't try something silly like that for no good reason."
There is no way around it. How is she going to take it? 'Midna, Zant is alive.' I feel her tense up and wince. 'We don't know how, but he's the one giving us so much grief. He's created these fake Twilight Messengers and has tried to destroy us three times already. He attacked the forest, nearly caused the Gorons to go extinct,' I shiver, but press on. I notice from the look she gives me she'll bring it up later. 'And just tried to kill the Zora Deity Lord Jabu-Jabu.'
"How can he be alive?!" she tries to remain calm, but her voice fails her. I cringe, feeling my ears ring. "Link, I felt him squirming through that final attack. I felt him explode. I remember feeling glee and feeling sick afterwards. He can't be alive. He just can't be."
'I didn't want to believe it either. But that stopped nothin'. He's back and he wants Hyrule again.'
Midna pinches the bridge of her nose, clenching her eyes shut. "I swear to the Lord if his plan involved you contacting me and bringing me here I will end him several times over. The dead should stay dead."
"We should get moving," Navi says quietly. "It will be a long way to the Castle but if we move now we might get there at dusk."
"I see the Warps have faded," Midna says as she looks at the sky. I follow her gaze and only now notice the lack of a black and green portal. "Not too surprised. When not in use their magic depletes until they vanish. I could teleport us straight to Hyrule Castle but my magic is still drained from coming here."
'Do ya have enough to get out of Lake Hylia? Epona's up there and will be able to take us back.'
"I should have enough. I'll be too exhausted to do anything but rest in your shadow for several hours, though."
"Shadow? Will you even fit?"
"Shadows aren't so solid," Midna winks at the Fairy before standing, holding me in one hand. I let out a huff as she giggles and raises her hand at the Master Sword and my other items lying in a pile. With a mass of Twilight Particles they vanish into Midna's Dimensional Pocket, as she calls it. There they will be safe until I can become human once more.
If I can become human.
"Alright, I know you don't like it so close your eyes. If you don't I'll cover them myself."
I smile as I close my eyes. Midna has not changed at all and I couldn't be happier. I never thought I would see her again, but I wish it were under better circumstances. Alas fate has other ideas, it seems, and it looks like we'll be working together again. I feel Navi sit on my neck before a wave of nausea washes over me. Once it passes I open my eyes and find ourselves in front of Epona, who is watching Midna carefully.
"Aww, don't recognize me?" Midna giggles, making Epona stand straight but not any less ready to charge. "That little Imp you tried to bite so much?"
Navi lies over my head to look me in the eye and give me a questioning look. 'Long story short, Midna was turned into an Imp by Zant. She became normal again after she sacrificed herself to weaken Ganondorf.'
"There we go," Midna gives her impish smile once Epona relaxes. "I have a present for you."
My ears fold back in embarrassment as she holds me in front of my mare. Epona sniffs the top of my head before nuzzling me with a chuckle. "You get into far too much trouble, Link."
Tell me about it.
"So Link's gone and got herself stuck like this," Midna tells the large horse. "We're going to change her back, don't you worry, but we need to get to Hyrule Castle to find a way how. I can't ride animals very well and I don't want to cause a mass panic revealing myself to Hyrule. They already have one Twili who has been messing with them in the last year, they won't understand me. Think you can make your way to the Castle on your own?"
Epona gives an indignant snort and snaps her teeth at Midna's face. "Hmph, thinks so little of me. I do not understand how you two became such friends."
I laugh, but it comes out as a soft yipping sound and I feel my tail and ears fold as Navi and Midna both giggle. "Never knew you could get any cuter, Mutt," Midna teases, placing me inside one of the saddlebags on Epona. I glare at her as my mane bristles, but this only makes her giggle. "So cute. Nice try being scary, Link. You are a puppy, not a wolf," she pats my head and retreats into Epona's shadow before I can nip her.
Navi sits on the edge of the saddlebag and giggles at me. "Sorry," she says to my huff. "I know this is a huge blow to your pride. Everything will be alright. We've gone through worse, Link."
Despite the situation I smile, watching as Epona makes her way towards the Castle. I'm cursed into a puppy form by a wayward magic spell and bad luck, but I do have my closest friends by my side to help me through it. I'll have to ask for more details about how Midna arrived here once we get a chance. And besides, I'd like to catch up on how the Twilight Realm is doing after Zant's false reign. I imagine it's a mess.
It's still light when Epona reaches the southern gate. It is here we find problem. Epona is a well-known horse in Castle Town, being owned by me and with how big she is. If she wanders through without me on her back people will ask questions. Midna is officially out of magic for the moment and Navi's wings are too broken to fly. So instead of trying our luck we decide to camp in the field until nightfall, when there will be less chances of getting spotted.
As Epona grazes I turn to Midna, intent on finding out how the Realm is. 'So how are you and your mum handling the mess Zant made?'
"Good for now, actually. Mother has been able to clean up the main island we live on and is in the process of helping the other islands in the Realm. We aren't the only one, after all. There are a few Twilight Messengers locked away, but we've been able to turn them back to normal. It's taken a lot of magic, though. It could be better, but it is all going very well."
"If you're form another realm, how did you manage to get here? You mentioned more than one way."
"Before the easiest way into the Twilight Realm, my home, was the Mirror of Twilight. But that mirror is the reason Hyrule was devastated by perpetual Twilight, so I destroyed it before returning home to prevent it from all happening again. How I got here is a little is very different than I thought possible..."
-0-0-0-0-
Twilight Palace
Midna's PoV
-0-0-0-0-
I was in the Palace library, it's pretty small and my Mother and I usually go there for privacy. She usually reads, I read or sew. It's a calming time for us to bond. We've done little without each other for the last two months, since Father...
We were just talking about the latest island we were looking at recovering when a guard came in. He tried to remain calm but was clearly panicking. He spoke so quickly I couldn't understand what he said. My Mother, however, stood and nodded as if she understood. She rushed to the door before turning to me and saying I should come. "It's time you learned a little more about our past," she said.
Since I'm going to be the next Queen I've spent countless days focusing on studying everything about the Twili's past, all the legends, stories and historical events. It was so drilled into my brain I can't forget any of it even now. So my Mother insisting I didn't know everything left me confused as we went deep below the Palace. We eventually came to a thick iron door, sealed shut with magic. Two guards stood firm in front of it as a white light tried escaping from around the door, but the magic prevented it. Mother asked the guards to step aside and as they did the magic fell. Those two guards were using their entire Magic Reservoirs to keep the barrier up, meaning behind this door was something very dangerous or valuable.
Mother used one of her own spells to remove the door, turning it transparent and allowing us to walk through. I stood frozen on the spot as the door sealed us inside a large circular room. Crystal balls filled with light sat in carved shelves all along the walls, spiralling up to the ceiling and out of sight. A Dimensional Spell was used to keep them all, as just above this room was the Palace's Dungeons. In the center there was a well-like circle of black stone, a pure white light making a tall pillar shoot from its center. The light arched drastically at the top, striking a bucket-sized hole in the wall. The wall filled with the light until it formed a ball similar to the rest.
It was beautiful, but left me confused.
"When our people were first exiled to the Twilight, before we called it home, we were desperate for contact with the Light Realm. We craved its light and warmth from the constant darkness and cold. Before we evolved into what we are today, we used all our magic to create this Well of Light. This room came years after. The Well allowed us to hear the whispers of the Light Realm, but only at a certain time of day."
I remembered what you told me about that old legend from Ordon. About the spirits who cry out during dusk and the people who used to pray for those lost souls.
"At Twilight." Mother smiled when I said that.
"Yes. At Twilight our world crosses with theirs, for that brief moment. Back in the days of old we held onto these whispers from the Light Realm and formed them into these crystal balls you see now. We slowly adjusted it throughout the first few centuries as the Palace's building process began. This is the center of the Twilight Realm, its heart and starting point. Even as the years went by and we evolved to live among the Twilight, we relied on these for contact with the Light Realm. But over time the whispers began to die. Not as many people believed in the Spirits of Twilight, as they called us. Soon they died out, save for a spare few who continued to pray for our lost souls. We no longer needed them, either. Many considered destroying the Well, but it attacked back with our ancestor's magic when we tried to destroy it. It is very powerful, the light from it could kill a Twili of our time. So guards with strong magic were placed before a door the most powerful Twili could make, the Kings and Queens. They would make a barrier to prevent the light from expanding, which it had begun to do, and it was slowly forgotten by the Twili. Now in our time only a small hand full of guards and the Royal Twili know about it. You would have learned of it once you became a Queen, but a prayer like this has not happened in a very long time."
I looked at the white ball. "Who would be praying to us now?"
"We do not know," the guard who fetched us said, face straight. "It made such a loud bang we weren't sure if the barrier could hold it. The light was trying to escape."
"Escape?" Mother echoed, looking at the white ball. It was shining so brightly, like the sun in your world. Oddly I felt a pull towards it, but ignored it in fear of getting some sort of burn. "Admittedly I don't know what that could mean. Even the Royal knowledge has lessened over the years."
"Is it normal to want to poke one?" I asked jokingly, smirking impishly.
Mother gave me a look, one I had never seen her give me. Trust me, I was a bratty kid and I received my fair share of looks from her. She never gave me a look like that one, it was focused, piercing and glistening. She looked at the crystal ball for a few seconds before turning to the guard. "Leave us for now, please," she waved her hand at the door and he bowed, walking out. As it closed behind him I gave Mother a questioning look. "I think I know what may be happening. Midna, I want you to hold the crystal. It won't hurt you, the light inside the ball is secure in a shell."
If you couldn't guess, that was yours. Because you were trying to reach me specifically the light was reaching out to me. It was really weird hearing you again. The fact that even thoughts can reach the Twilight Realm is amazing. When I told Mother she seemed to have a knowing look. "So the Blue-Eyed Beast is reaching out to you. Curious. Judging by what you told me it sounds like she is desperate. Well, I supposed this is a wish we can actually give," Mother giggled. She rarely laughs anymore, her heart still broken.
"Oh sure. I'll just use the Mirror of Twilight to go back," I answered sarcastically with a roll of my eyes.
"Oh Midna, you really think there aren't more ways back?"
"...Excuse me?"
"I said before that this is the heart of the Twilight Realm," Mother traced the Well carefully. "It takes a powerful spell, but a Twili can convert this light into a Warp Tunnel. It will send one to the Light Realm. It will take our magic combined, but we can get you to Hyrule to help your friends there."
I admit, I had to suppress a happy squeal. I really did miss you guys. I didn't quite regret breaking the Mirror but it was a hard decision to make. So Mother and I combined our magic into one and I stepped into the pillar of light. I arrived at the Lake, where I collapsed in exhaustion. When I woke up I saw someone teleport down to the shore. That's when I found you as you are. I would have given you a hug, but I was afraid I would snap your bones.
-0-0-0-0-
South Hyrule Field
Link's PoV
-0-0-0-0-
Night has fallen at last and we leave Epona outside of the gates. She gives me a good nuzzle before Midna walks through the shadows to enter the city. The guards above don't notice as she slips by. Navi dims her glow enough to see her body and I lay across Midna's shoulder, watching out and listening for any signs of people. It is slightly overcast giving us another layer of cover. Only a few lights remain on and we avoid it at all costs.
At one point a patrol of guards crosses our path and Midna dives into an alley, catching me in her arms before I fly off her back. Midna heads down the alley and sneaks by a few sleeping bodies. I wince as I notice the empty bottles around them. They aren't thin bottles of ale, but thick bottles that contained Potions. Living in the Castle it is easy to forget how grim the city truly is. Midna is able to go by without alerting the Potion addicts and comes out at the Royal Road, just before the Castle's gates.
'Oh for the Love of Nayru...' If I had hands I would slap my forehead. From here I can notice Alex standing guard alongside another guard. We can't sneak by him so easily. He's a scarily good guard, probably among the best in the Royal Army. 'Okay, now what?'
"I got this," Midna assures, covering my eyes and teleporting us to the wall above. I feel my stomach twist slightly, but we're able to use the wall to sneak into the Castle grounds. We hide behind and wait for a few of the stable hands to pass before sneaking behind the guards before the doors and getting by. And these guards are not the best by any means.
Now inside it is much easier to sneak around. Despite the corridors and lights, we are able to use tapestries, suits of armour and side doors to make our way up the Castle. I feel my ears fold back as we walk up the spiral staircase to Zelda's room. I almost hope she'll be in a late meeting so she won't see me and my current...predicament.
Midna knocks on the door, followed by a few moments of silence. My heart rises, then falls when I hear shuffling and the knob turns.
Zelda, with a candle in hand, hair unkempt and in a sleeping robe, just stands and stares at us for several minutes before pinching the bridge of her nose and letting out an exasperated sigh. "Do I really want to ask?"
"Wow, both of you don't even welcome me," Midna giggles. "Such good friends you are."
"The others come back without you with giant creatures and I go into panic because I think you died or something, but oh no they assure me that you'll be fine with the Zoras for one day. You just have one more thing to help them with and you are completely unharmed." I feel myself become sheepish as Zelda mutters, motioning for us to come in.
'To be fair I'm not hurt.'
I flinch at her glare.
"Let me guess, you're cursed."
No questions there.
"Of course you are. If you're not hurt, your cursed. I swear to the Gods you just attract bad luck. Alright, alright," Zelda composes herself as she sinks into her desk chair. She is such a person and it's a shame so little people get to see that. "Tell me what happened."
It is well into the night by the time we explain everything. Zelda is quiet through all of it, just wearing a tired, even look. Once we finish, she sighs and plays with her hair. "Age spells are a forbidden art. They can be used for immortality if used correctly. It would take a Mage of powerful abilities to use, even I couldn't attempt it. Even if my magic is more offensive. You're lucky it was just your body. Some age spells make you think and act like the age you are."
'Is there a way to reverse the age spell? I'd like to be a normal-sized wolf and figure out that curse after.'
"I don't know if we can reverse it. I'll have to see the library's restricted spells section to research more. I've rarely ever gone there."
"Oh, only rarely?" Midna smirks. Zelda blushes but says nothing. "You go there a lot don't you?"
"...Just for reading..."
Midna and I laugh, knowing full well Zelda probably learned some spells form the forbidden spectrum. Using the Light Arrows and pure magic like she can are considered dark spells because of how powerful and dangerous they are. No one but us know about this.
"Never mind that. We'll get to it tomorrow. You could probably use some rest. And Navi I can get you some Potions for your wings."
"And Link," I look back at her to see her smiling, "you're very cute."
'I hate all of you!'
-0-0-0-0-
The Next Day
-0-0-0-0-
I huff as I turn another page. Midna, Zelda and I have been in the corner of the library since dawn looking for any books on age spells and possible ways to lift the curse on me. We have found nothing on either so far. So far I've collected random facts about different forbidden magic. Sleepless spells, manipulation, using dolls to cause pain, there was a strange section specifically for mask curses, spells that reverse gravity. The list goes on and it does not make me any less nervous around Mages. In fact I think learning about these spells will make my panic attacks even worse.
'Found anything?'
"No," Midna says. Zelda says nothing, deep into reading. Once she starts you can't stop her for any reason. I once had to almost rip a book in half to get her out of her little world so she would eat.
'There has to be something...' My mind trails off as I close the book and come out from under the table I'm hiding under. Navi is flying among the bookshelves, her wings recovering but not fully. 'Find anything interesting?'
"Not sure yet," she calls back, turning herself sideways to read the book titles. "A lot of these seem to be more theory than spell casting."
I nod and trot along the lower shelves. To my surprise I've adapted to being a puppy much better than I thought I would. Even if everything is bigger, it really doesn't change much. Although it is annoying that the chain is around my neck as it is. You'd think it would fall off.
Before I wander off too far I hear Navi gasp and look up. She's hovering before a thicker book, the leather worn but sturdy looking. She begins to pull it out, her wings buzzing rapidly. "Catch, Link!" I snatch the book out of the air with my teeth, careful not to bite too hard.
I place the book at my paws and tilt my head at the writing. It's in Olde Hylian, the language used back when the Hero of Time was alive. The writing is curved and gentle, but not difficult to read. Zelda and I talked about this a few times, we've both had trouble with learning to read. Zelda managed to get over it faster than I did (Ordon doesn't exactly have a lot of books) and we're both able to read the Olde Hylian with little trouble. We've come to the conclusion that knowing how to read this in our past lives stayed with us.
As such my eyes widen as I stare at the title: The Goddesses Book of Curses and Cures.
'Zelda!' I pick up the book and look at her. She remains focused on her current book. I huff and sit at her feet. 'Zelly, I think I found something good!' I tug at her dress, but nothing happens. I walk to the side of the chair and crouch, wiggling my tail subconsciously before I jump up. Although with the new height issue I misjudge the jump and find myself kept up with only my front paws as my back paws scrape against the chair, tearing at the side. This catches the Princess' attention and she stares at me for a moment before pulling me into her lap by my ruff. 'Navi found this.'
She takes the book and instantly gasps, bringing her hand to her mouth in shock. "This is my writing!"
'What?'
"This book...it's mine! I mean, I wrote this! Or, I should say my past life did...she wrote this." Very rarely is Zelda too stunned to speak informally. Clearly this is one of those times. She flips the pages open, eyes darting over the thick pages. I know she wants to read it all, but currently from the way she is moving her eyes she is looking for something specific. The cure for my reduced age. "Here!" she lowers the book to allow me to read it. On the page is an image of two Mages, brewing over a cauldron with a thick murky green cloud rising from the black basin. Above the image are the words The Golden Blessing. Beneath is a short description and list.
The Golden Blessing is the oldest known form of cure medicine to exist. It is believed that the Golden Goddesses created it when they were newly created. Before they even made Hyrule. They had planned carefully for the world's creation, alongside their younger sister, and wanted a fail safe for the lives to be born if the High Council, the most powerful Gods, disliked their plan. Which, as it so happened, they did. The Golden Goddesses discovered the spell and, in exchange for allowing the Golden Goddesses to keep the land they created, the High Council attempted to destroyed it. They could not, so they spread the ingredients far across the land. There are only three, but they are very powerful and have been lost in time. I shall make the list of what my research has given me:
The Eye of Din: An oval-shaped relic closely resembling Din's Fire. Only more dangerous and flammable. It is believed to be deep inside Death Mountain -I shutter- deeper even than the core.
The Spirit of Farore: Said to be an ever-lasting tornado, similar to the teleportation of Farore's Wind. From the few sources I believe it is held in the sky. How one gets to the sky is unclear to me.
The Heart of Nayru: The most difficult. I have not been able to discover yet where it is or what it could be like. If my research on the previous two is any clue, it may be similar to the likes of Nayru's Love. Maybe akin to a diamond or some other jewel. Further research is required.
Zelda and I look at each other, knowing we've found our cure. By the sounds of it, this might even cure my inability to be human, too. But how can these ingredients be found? I can confirm there was no such tornado in the sky temple I visited and I've been to the core of Death Mountain, that was where Darbus was held when he was infected by the Fused Shadow. There was no relic.
"I didn't know she finished it. Well, mostly." We look at Navi, who's aura brightens in a blush. "I knew the last Princess, too, you know. She always wanted to share her knowledge. She travelled far and did a lot to write this book. I didn't know it would be here of all places."
"What do you mean?"
"Well...I'll be honest you two, this isn't the Hyrule you travelled a thousand years ago. And I don't mean by what has changed. It literally is not the same Hyrule. There have been many Hyrules throughout history, all abandoned when destruction comes between the death and rebirth of your souls. Eventually the same will happen to this Hyrule you know and love. It is how life goes for Hyrule. It is cursed just as you are."
Zelda, Midna and I give each other uneasy glances. The land we fought so hard to keep alive will eventually die and fade from memory?
"That won't happen for a long time. You lot are still very young after all," Navi says. "So the Death Mountain that Jikan, your past life, Zelda, wrote about is not the one in this land. It is in the old Hyrule your ancestors left a thousand years ago."
'So we have to go to our old Kingdom. But how?'
"Do you remember seeing a large log in Kokiri Village?"
'I think so...'
"Well through there, and after a maze, is the field to the old Hyrule. I know the way off by heart and can help guide you there," Navi's aura lights up brightly. "I haven't been there in ages. Haven't had a reason to."
"If you're going to cross a Kingdom we don't remember, you're going to need a map."
"I can remember it."
"I have no doubt of that, Navi. But we're dealing with Link here," Zelda puts a hand on my head for emphasis. "With our luck she'll get separated from you and have no idea where to go. I would like for her to have a map."
I can't argue with that.
"I see your point. But where can we find one? Do you think there is one here?"
'A map of an old world, eh? Yeah, because that will be easy to stumble across-'
Wait.
"Well, me, Ashei and Auru found this in the Temple of Time Ruins! It seems to be a map of a land not unlike Hyrule. It could possibly be another land we have yet to discover!"
The map. The map the Resistance has. I felt a wave of Déjà Vu hit me when I saw it, felt like I recognized it. Just like with the writing of this book. That map has to be of the Old Hyrule! Only problem will be getting it. But maybe Navi can help with that. 'I think I know where to look. Before I left to the Forest I had to tell Ilia where I was going in Telma's Bar. There was an old map on the back table. We can use that, I'm sure of it!'
"Sounds great. When should we go?"
'At night. We're going to have to steal the map from some friends of mine. I'll have to be sure to return it or otherwise Shad might want some new boots,' I joke.
"I should come with you," Midna says.
'No you need to rest. I want ya to come with us to this Old Hyrule and I know you'll need your magic recharged.'
"Alright, fine. Jeez, it looks like the tables have turned. Usually I'm telling you to sleep."
I smile as she giggles. Man have I missed her.
-0-0-0-0-
That Night
Castle Town
-0-0-0-0-
Getting out of the Castle is easy. There are few guards and fewer guards awake. And this time Alex isn't on patrol meaning I get past them without them spotting me or the light atop my neck. Navi is my eyes, watching for any signs of danger. The roads are oddly busy tonight, perhaps some sort of city festival I don't know about, and I am forced to take precaution and use the back streets. It is safer than getting stepped on, I'm sure.
It is quiet back here. A calm quiet, not unlike the Castle courtyard. There are few obstacles to face, a few kids playing and a small group of friends happily chatting as they drink a cheap ale. I can smell what it is as I pass them in the shadows, unnoticed.
I come into an alley, intending to use it as a short cut to Telma's, when I hear a low hiss. Stiffening, I turn my gaze to the boxes and barrels around me. Slowly cats begin to emerge from the dark corners, their eyes aglow and their hissing growing louder. I growl, widening my paws as Navi makes a small bell noise. "Why are they surrounding you like this?"
'Cats have never liked me. Maybe they knew I had a wolf's spirit inside me all my life,' I tell her, slowly walking forward as they watch me. If I can get by without making sudden movements I hope I won't agitate them into attacking. Navi's wings can't afford another injury and are still healing.
My paw hits a can on the ground, making it roll loudly into a box. Instantly the five or so cats eyeing me run at me, making me run in turn. They cut off the quick escape onto the road and on a Rupee I slide between two houses, small enough to fit. I hear them yowl and push myself into a new alley, running for the road again only for two of them to leap down from the roof. Navi's warning jingle lets me jump to the side to avoid getting hit and I pivot, slashing with my back paws down the closest cat's face. It hisses and jumps back, giving me room to sprint farther into the back streets. The pack of cats pursue me from both behind and the rooftops, some cutting me off from planned routes and others managing to ambush me and give me a new scratch. Luckily they don't cut deep.
Running further I find a half-collapsed house, the door made of a single sheet. As I run towards the shelter I leap to the side and kick at a barrel, sending it back with a crash. This makes three of the cats flee, leaving two left to attack me. I dive through the sheet and turn, facing the door as dust unsettles under my paws. I resist sneezing as it reaches my nose and watch the door and window beside it. The two cats emerge, one leaping through the window and the other jumping down from an upstairs floor. They corner me back against some cupboards, to which I look up for any form of escape. I see dirty pots sitting on the counter top and give a wolfish grin. 'Navi can you just wait outside?'
"You're crazy." And there is the sign that someone gives when they give up on trying to correct you on your ideas. She flies out of sight and as one cat leaps I back flip onto the counter. I slam my shoulder into a pot before running across it, making them crash onto the floor with loud clangs. One cat flees from the noise and the other jumps up after me, giving chase. I leap over an upside-down pot and kick off of it, landing on the ground as the pot hits the cat in the head. It shakes its head before I growl and bark at it. Its nerve finally fades and it runs off, the yowls echoing in the night.
I snort in victory, before that is swiftly ended by one of the pots landing over top of me. I run my paw down my snout and huff, looking at the pot with distaste. 'Thank you world for the short-lived moment of winning.'
I push on the side, trying to get it flip. There is enough room for me to move, but only barely and I can't get my balance correct. I slam my shoulder into it, feeling it wobble. I try again and again, failing to get it off of me. I crouch and lower my head, intending to head butt it, when it suddenly lifts as I ram forward. I'm left to roll half a metre before coming to a stop. I shake my head and stand up, a little dizzy but able to be steady on my paws. I look up and let out a snort of amusement.
'Oh hey, Buckass. Didn't know you lived in the city.'
"Little Enigma," he remarks, frowning. He's wearing a torn black tunic and dark grey pants, his hair falls around his shoulders in semi-messy tangles. "I don't live here. I'm just staying for a few days. Why are you still like...this? Shouldn't you be normal and off escaping death?"
'Funny,' I roll my eyes, sitting down to lessen the strain on my neck. As if he wasn't tall enough before. 'Turns out I'm stuck like this. Not even Midna's magic could break this spell. We think what hit me was an age spell, but it hit me the exact moment I began changing. So...now I'm a puppy,' I bring my left paw to my face. 'Oh the joys of being me. Anyway, we found an old book in the library that has a magic spell that could cure me. But it needs really rare and specific magic artifacts left behind by the Golden Goddesses. Thing is the book was written so long ago that the places it talks about are not within Hyrule, so me and Navi were headin' to Telma's Bar because I think they have a map we could use.'
"Telma's Bar is on the other side of the city, from what I remember. And what was all the noise?'
'Yeah, which is why I should head out. Sorry for the noise. I'll try an' be more quiet next time I'm bein' ambushed by cats.'
I stand and head to the door. Sheik doesn't say anything as I leave and spot Navi fly down from the window. "You need to stop getting yourself into so much trouble."
'Tell that to the Gods,' I smirk, trotting down the alley a bit before hearing a noise similar to wind. If I was anyone else I would have ignored it, but it sounds too precise and clean to be real wind. Without breaking pace I spread my thoughts upward, 'Hi, Sheik! Told ya you followed me.'
"I'm not following you," he jumps down from the roof, in the same clothes but his hair tied back in a loose horsetail. "You are a puppy with only a Fairy for help. You might get attacked worse than some cats. I can get you to Telma's faster."
I think on it. Navi and I haven't been able to make a plan on how to get the map once we get to the bar. We can't just simply go in there and take it, with how I am now. And Navi doesn't want to show herself to more people. Fairies are supposed to be fables, after all and the realization that they're real may shock people a little too much.
'Yeah, that would be good. You could get the map for us! Just say you're a friend of Link's to either the woman at the bar or the people surrounding the very back table. They'll know to trust you and you'll be able to ask for the map on my behalf. Just don't say what's happened to me. They don't need to know about all this.'
"If you're so sure they'll trust me so easily," Sheik shrugs and walks beside me through the main street. Now people can just assume I'm his pet or something and I'll have a higher chance of being ignored. This works out far better than I thought.
I lead the way to the bar, as apparently he doesn't know exactly where it is. I smile up at him as I sit down out of the sight of the door. 'I'll wait here. It shouldn't be too busy tonight.'
As he walks into the door I see two eyes glow from the boxes stacked above me.
-0-0-0-0-
Sheik's PoV
-0-0-0-0-
There are very few places in Hyrule to get a good drink. Many small towns don't have bars or have drinks so cheap they could make someone who is dirt poor turn up their nose. Travelling so much I have not gotten a good chance to find a bar and drink. It also doesn't help when you have a cousin on your case about drinking to forget bad memories.
But I should invest in coming to this bar when I'm feeling low. I can tell the moment I step in this is not a cheap place by any means. It's a bit small, but well furnished with expensive wooden chairs and tables. There are stairs leading to what I can only assume to be rooms for travellers off to the side and a large bar with shelves of drinks behind it. There is no sign of a kitchen, but Castle Town has so much food at the markets and restaurants it probably doesn't matter. The bottles of alcohol are from all across Hyrule, from what I can see. Champagne from the Zoras, brandy from the Gorons. I'm shocked when I even see the special blend of bitter Gerudo wine.
"Welcome! I've never seen someone like you in here before." Behind the bar counter, sweeping, is a large and tall woman with dark skin, dark orange hair and amber eyes. It somehow does not surprise me too much that this woman is a Gerudo. Although she misses the common bird-like nose, perhaps she got more of her fathers genes. "Would you like a drink or a bed? We have one available."
"I am more here as a messenger. I am a friend of Link's and he asked me to get something for him. He's busy at the moment." Her eyes brighten when I mention Link's name and she smiles, putting the broom down.
"How close of a friend are you to Link?" She leans over the bar, smirking. "Many people say they are friends with the boy but don't have a single piece of evidence that they are. Always trying to get a free drink."
With how the people of Castle Town are like leeches I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.
"What kind of evidence?"
"Only Link's closest and most trusted friends know his biggest secret. If you can tell me what it is I'll believe you."
Well obviously that is Link's true identity. By the implications it's safe to say that this woman knows it, too. I ensure no one is around and lower my voice. "Is it that Link is a girl?"
Telma smiles and laughs. "Welcome to the Resistance. What is your name?"
"Sheik."
"Well, Sheik, what does the lass want?"
"She's gotten herself into some trouble and needs a map. She didn't trust any messenger and Zelda wasn't able to come either. I was walking the streets when she noticed me and wrote to me her request." I have little desire to share our odd communication.
"I see. Well Shad discovered an old map a few months back. He's in the back now," she looks at a walled off area. A table with three occupants is in clear view. "You may have to argue, but I'm sure he'll help you. Come, I'll introduce you."
"Fellas, this is Sheik. He's a friend of our Link and needs the map from you, Shad," Telma says to the red-haired man leaning closely over an old yellow map, painstakingly re-inking the faded text. From what I can see it is Olde Hylian. I know of it but never have the time to learn how to read it.
"But I am so close to uncovering the name of this amazing kingdom!" Shad sits up.
"I know, but Sheik says Link needs it. Says the girl got into more trouble."
"Pft, should'a known," a black-haired girl in steel armour and with a heavy accent laughs. "She always gets in trouble, yeah?"
"Well I suppose if she needs it so bad...just let me finish this last word! I've almost got it."
"Sheik, may I speak to you?" a man in full leather armour says from the side, walking into the main lobby of the bar. I follow his request and he leans on a table, fixing me with an unseen look. His entire face is obscured by a helmet. "When did you and Link meet?"
"A few weeks ago."
"The lass doesn't usually trust strangers so quickly. How did you two meet?"
"Well it wasn't the greatest first impression. I was on Death Mountain seeking help from the Gorons but found they were captured by that dragon. I went inside the Temple and Link knocked me over in there when she arrived."
"Death Mountain...Sheik, do you know what happened to Link up there?"
"No. I didn't stay for long after she showed up. I figured the Hero of Hyrule could handle it."
The man frowns deeply. "So you do not know what caused her such trauma."
My memories go back to Jabu-Jabu's Lake, where I saw Link fighting shadows and screaming in fear. "I thought it was just from the genocide of the Gorons."
"There was more to it, though. Everyone in the Castle knows more happened down there than just the genocide. I know that, as well. I only ask because I want to comfort her, but I can't if I don't know why she is still haunted by it. Link may be the Hero of Hyrule, she may be the reincarnated Hero of legends, but she is still a young girl. Behind all the facade she is only a young girl. She needs to be protected. This isn't the first time Link has vanished so suddenly. It happens to her, she'll disappear for weeks and no one will know where she went. It's as if she was never alive. I bring this up because the last time she disappeared, she returned to this very bar with the Master Sword on her back. She had gone from a meek village girl to the Hero of legends the moment she held the Blade of Evil's Bane. I saw a girl become a Hero that day. I'm afraid something has happened to her now that prevents her from coming here herself, yes? That is why she sent you. If she trusts you so easily, I have a request. Sheik, can you protect Link for the coming weeks? If she truly must vanish again, I want to know she is with someone who can keep her safe. I wish I could, but she is an adult who doesn't like having her hand held by the likes of me anymore," he chuckles, his voice heavy with melancholy and his eyes misted in memories. "But despite it all she is still a young girl. Even with the title of Heroine, even with her fate sealed, she is still the girl I raised. Can I trust you to care for her?"
So this man is Link's father. He just wants his daughter to be safe in the only way he can. I can understand the love of a father, the care of a dad. I force myself to ignore the growing memories back and look the man in the eye. "I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you. Make sure the lass returns safely."
I nod as Shad walks over with the map. "Be careful with this, it is very fragile."
Taking the map I thank the group before leaving the bar. Stashing the map in my belt I walk out to see Link lying on her side with a fluffy white cat sitting beside her. The cat has a purple bow around her neck and looks up as I approach. Link looks up and smiles, her tail wagging slightly. 'Hey, Sheik! Did ya get it?'
I must say it is refreshing not having her call me 'Buckass' every time she addresses me.
"Yes. If this is the one you think will help," I show it to her and she stands, her tail waving like a banner.
'This is it! It says Hyrule at the top! And that there is the Kokiri Forest! There's a desert, a mountain, a lake...'
"You're right. This is the old Hyrule I knew," Navi says. "Thank you for your help, Sheik."
"Yeah," I say, passing Link the map rolled up. It's twice the length she is and the ends touch the ground. Her tail still wags as she looks up at me.
'Thanks so much! See ya around, Sheik. Bye, Louise,' she looks at the cat, who nods and jumps through a window. 'The only cat who I've ever liked.'
I look back at the bar. "There is one more thing. I'll help you get these artifacts."
'Really? Why?'
"Your dad asked me to look out for you."
'Dad...?' she tilts her head and gives me a confused look. It quickly turns into realization and she makes a soft noise. 'Oh, you mean Rusl! Yeah, he basically is. Haven't thought of him as such for a while, though. He's my guardian, raised me since I was a baby. He worries about me a lot, but I can take care of myself believe it or not,' she looks down her body. 'Even if it doesn't look like it.'
Somehow I expected her to have a family. Maybe it's because so far she seems to have an almost perfect life. I'm not sure what has made me think this but I always assumed the Hero was spoiled and given too much love. A pure-blooded Hylian, destined to save Hyrule from a great evil in a time of darkness? Sounds like the recipe of an arrogant and self-absorbed individual to me.
Although knowing her the last few weeks has proven she isn't such a character. She's disproved many of my previous thoughts of her. At times it seems like she doesn't even want her Hero status.
'Thanks for the help, Sheik,' her thoughts bring me out of my own. 'Me 'n' Navi had better get back to the Castle. It's been a long day.'
"Maybe it would be a good idea for Sheik to help us, Link," Navi says, leaning over Link's head to look her in the eye. "Any extra help would be good! I haven't been to old Hyrule for a very long time, there could be more monsters there than I remember there being. You're a bit too small at the moment to fight and I can't fight at all. We'll have Midna, sure, but from what I've seen she can't withstand sunlight very well. If Sheik comes he'll be able to help us greatly! I don't see the problem."
Link's left ear folds down as she thinks and she scratches the back of it with her hind paw. I wonder how aware she is of her dog-like actions. 'Okay, I see your point.'
"Just like that? After what happened last time?" I am shocked she'd so quickly forgive me. I'm the one who did this to her.
'Well yeah. It ain't like ya sent that spell at me on purpose. The Mage that was attacking us is the one who cast it intending to hit me. Although I wonder why they didn't just kill me. Everyone and everything tend to just want to kill me. Besides, I doubt you'd want to be a kid right now so a shield spell was the best thing to do,' her laugh rings in my mind as she begins jumping up the steps out of the duvet the bar is in. 'Let's go!'
What did I just do to myself?
-0-0-0-0-
The Next Day
Link's PoV
-0-0-0-0-
Sometimes those who love us will do anything to protect us. If that means that they must ask someone else to do the protecting so be it, they'll know when their loved ones are safe and secure. Rusl has always done his best to protect me, be it teaching me survival skills or out-right saving me from an ambush atop a castle roof. I know he wants to protect me with his own body, but can't anymore. I don't need my guardian to keep me safe, as much as I love him. So this is the only way he can keep me safe, by asking someone else to look after me.
I am surprised he'd so easily entrust my safety in the hands of Sheik, someone who I've only know for a short time. But oddly enough I'm not upset in the slightest. In fact I'm almost glad Sheik will be coming with us to Old Hyrule. Call me weird, but I honestly feel safe around him. Back in Jabu-Jabu's Temple, I wasn't as afraid as I maybe should had been. We were surrounded by a horde of ReDeads, a monster I have always found myself frightened by. If I was on my own I know I might have not gotten out of it alive. But when Sheik was at my back I knew I had nothing to fear.
We even made a game out of it all. You don't just do that when an army of undead bodies want to rip you apart.
Maybe I've grown used to him crossing my path, maybe I feel comfort with his presence. I don't understand why, but I feel at ease as I walk beside him back to the Castle. I'm a puppy that is hardly bigger than a kitten, someone could honestly mistake me for a rat if they only glanced at me, and yet even with the towering world around me I know I'll be okay.
Before we get to the gates Sheik pauses. I walk forward a few steps before realizing and stop to turn. 'What's wrong?'
"I don't like being noticed by others. The Sheikah are shadows, we no longer exist in your world. I can't just walk through the gates and risk our exposure. I'm going to have to sneak in."
'That won't be a problem. Navi, do you have the strength to fly up to Zelda and ask her to let Sheik in?'
"I might have enough energy in me. I'll come back if I feel faint and if I don't just wait a few minutes."
I nod and she flies off, vanishing beyond the Castle walls. Now Sheik and I are left alone to our thoughts as we wait for either her return or a servant to let Sheik in. "So what will we be looking for?"
'Three things. The Eye of Din, the Spirit of Farore and the Heart of Nayru. The first is believed to be in the old Death Mountain, in its core, the second is thought to be in the sky and the third was never discovered. The last Princess did a lot of research on it but could never complete it. I'm hoping it will be enough. It's bad enough being cursed as a wolf again, I don't want to be cursed as a puppy for the rest of my life.'
"I'm sure you'd find a loving home."
'Oh ha ha,' I laugh without humour. 'Very funny.'
Suddenly I feel a wave of nausea hit me. I sway on my paws and sit down, feeling my world fading in and out. The edges of my vision fade to black for a few moments. I feel almost ready to faint before it just as suddenly passes. I find myself down on my belly with Sheik crouched beside me. My ears are pinned back and I feel woozy. "Are you alright?"
'Y-yeah. Just...dizzy for a moment,' I shake myself as I stand up. The lingering effects make my legs shake, but I ignore it.
Sheik gives me an uncertain look before a hooded messenger arrives in front of us. I look up and notice the sapphire eyes of Zelda, who smiles at us. "Come, we need to prepare. Who might you be?"
"My name is Sheik."
"A pleasure to meet you. Link mentioned you a bit."
'He'll be helping us gather the artifacts.'
"Thank you. I would like to go with Link, but I want to try and find the final artifact. I'm glad to have someone I can trust look after her."
"We've only just met."
"Perhaps, but I know when I can trust somebody with my friend's life. Midna is resting and I've packed a few essentials so far. I can't tell you how many looks I received when I entered the kitchen."
Both of us laugh, making Sheik and Navi confused. 'I tried teachin' Zelda how to cook a while back,' I explain. 'Yeah she's banned from the kitchens now. She almost burned down the entire stock of food.'
Zelda blushes and glares at me. "I'm not the one who knocked over the entire shelf of weapons in the training yard."
I had to be in the infirmary for a week because of that. How was I supposed to know those swords would be so heavy?
'At least I didn't fall flat on my back when I decided it would be a good idea to try jousting.'
"Oh please you fall just fine on your own."
'At least I'm not tone deaf.'
"At least I can dance."
'Yeah, says the one who never even danced at the Ball. Who was it that was forced to dance with a stranger to get Pretty Boy off my back? Oh yeah, that was me! So, yeah, thanks for that.'
Our bickering continues until we arrive at Zelda's study. We both are stuck in a laughing fit by now. These moments are what I do my best to bring out in Zelda, the side of her that isn't Princess. The side of her that is just friend. She so rarely gets to enjoy being a normal person.
"All this aside," she breaks out of her laughter and brings out Jikan's Journal. "I think it would be best if you went to this old Hyrule tomorrow. The sooner we can break this curse the faster we can get back to the Sages. I don't like the threat of Zant trying anything while you are occupied with this."
'Yeah I'll do my best to make it fast.'
"Go rest. Sheik, I'll show you to the guest chambers."
Zelda shows him out and I begin my trek to my room. I stretch out when I reach the oak doors and feel the fur on my neck prickle upwards. I give the door a suspicious look and press my ear to it, hearing footsteps inside. I hear footsteps coming from down the hall and look to see a cloaked figure coming by. I hide at the foot of one of the suits of armour and glare as they unlocks my door with a grey spell and enters. I follow behind them and hide directly under my wardrobe. I do so fast enough so I am not noticed. Now I get a chance to see who is in my room.
I only see their legs, covered in breech cloth. They are the first to speak.
"I don't understand. He is vulnerable. We could easily kill him now! Be free of his chances!" the voice is shrill, a woman's, and seems to have an echo.
"You are not thinking! We need him alive. I thirst for revenge as you do, but I know our goal. If you do not agree you can always return to your prison."
"You need me more than I need you. I am more powerful than you could ever dream to be!" the shrill laughter makes my ears ring.
"I am aware. And quiet. We don't want to be discovered."
"Of course, of course. Wouldn't want your precious disguise to be destroyed, would you, Debby?"
"I can't believe you learned that ridicules nickname. The brat who started it doesn't even exist anymore."
"When you are as powerful as me, you see a lot of the world. Besides, it's easier to pronounce."
"You drive me insane."
"That's my job."
"Well now your job is to get prepared for the next step. Track, capture and don't kill. I will rendezvous with you once my task is complete."
"I know, I know. Say, was it really a smart idea to use this chamber as our meeting place?"
"Yes. After all, this way we can strike fear into this one."
I feel a grey aura surround me and I'm pulled harshly from my hiding place. Before I can register what I am looking at I find myself on my bed, my room empty and the sun rising. Why do I feel I've forgotten something important?
"We'll be taking my mare," Sheik says as he comes up to a large bay horse. She is slim, with the build of a runner, her coat a dark brownish-red and her socks fading to black. She was bred for travel and going fast, unlike Epona who was bred for endurance and power. "This is Joyce. She's a Gerudo Desert horse that I raised. My cousin chose the name."
'She's very beautiful,' I think, sniffing at her hooves as she sniffs at my head.
"You smell of human."
"She is one," Epona neighs from the opposite stall. "She's just a special one that likes trouble."
I turn and howl softly at her. She tosses her mane and whinnies, laughing. "Return to me, won't you?" she is serious, a touch of worry in her voice. My smart mare would risk her life for me, I swear.
I nod to her and yelp when I feel hands wrap around my waste. Midna deposits me in the saddlebag, to which I bristle and glare. She giggles and rubs behind my ear. As much as I try to pull away and hold some of my dignity, I can't help but lean into her hand. I don't know why but this is always comforting. Even as a Hylian this is a comfort.
"We will fix this, you know that right? We've been through worse," she says, not a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "You won't be like this for long."
'I hope so. Thanks, Midna. It really is good to see ya again. I missed you.'
"I missed you lot, too. Are you ready?" she asks Sheik, who packs a sleeping bag on Joyce's other side.
"Yes. How will you be travelling with us, anyway?"
Midna smirks and vanishes, becoming a part of Sheik's shadow. He doesn't notice his shadow move and looks around the stables cautiously. My shoulders shake in a silent chuckle as I decide to be nice and explain to him what the Twili just did. 'She's hidin' in your shadow. It's safest for her since she doesn't like sunlight.'
He eyes his shadow and mounts Joyce. Navi sits on his shoulder, not fully healed but well fit enough to come with us. All assembled and with an old map as our guide, Sheik guides Joyce out of the stables and towards southern Hyrule, towards Faron Woods. And eventually, towards the Lower Lost Woods.
But first, we need to travel there. The first day we make it to Lon Lon Field, but don't stay with the family. Sheik insists we just go by without being noticed and sets up camp at the top of a cliff. Midna helps me out of the saddle bag -it is actually quite comfortable, I think I even had a nap- and sets me down. Unfortunately due to my size I'm unable to help set up the campfire or even prepare the food, so I'm left to lie by the fire as Sheik digs out some dried meat from his bags.
"So, yesterday you mentioned you danced at that ball that was held at the Castle," Sheik says, bringing up a topic I wasn't aware he knew about. "I was there that night. I didn't see you."
If wolves could blush I'd be red as a tomato. As it is my ears droop and I feel myself stiffen lightly. 'Well, no one saw me as me exactly. I was...hidden in plain sight. It's a little awkward, but I was in, uh...I was in a dress that night,' I lower my head into my paws so I can't see his face. Even still I can feel his stare dig into me. 'And a wig. Zelda somehow convinced me to be, well, a girl.'
"Ah, I see. A wig and dress," he says softly, eyes distant as he gazes at the cloudy night. After a brief moment he lies down and turns his back to me in his sleeping bag. "Get some rest. We leave when the sun rises."
I wonder about his sudden question and willingness for sleep, but shrug it off before laying my head on my paws. Come to think of it, I didn't see him at that party. I wonder if he was in plain sight just like I was.
I stretch my paws out and yawn before falling asleep.
-0-0-0-0-
Two Days Later
Kokiri Forest
-0-0-0-0-
"Here it is!" Navi hovers before the large hollowed log. It is night time and all the Kokiri are asleep, letting us wander through without causing a stir. Sheik skeptically looks at Navi.
"And this won't end with us getting lost, will it?"
"Not with me here! You'll be fine, just stick close."
At this I feel hands pick me up and glare at Sheik, who sets me on his shoulder. "If that's the case I'm not taking any chances."
'Jeez, you're as bad as Midna.'
"Guilty," says her voice from Sheik's shadow.
He remains stoic following Navi through the log. Unlike the northern part of the forest, which has sections that are open, this part is made of thin paths that twist and wind back around themselves. Only because we have Navi are we able to at last escape the forest and come across a gap between the trees. Sunlight shines in our immediate sight, true sunlight not the misty, obscured light the rest of the forest has. This means we've made it.
For some reason my heart begins to pound as Sheik steps into the sunlight. Anticipation, I'm excited to see what this old Hyrule has to offer. But I'm also afraid. I want to stay in the shade of the forest, where it is safe. I shake these feelings of Déjà Vu and lift my head up to look at the vast field before us.
I am shocked at what I see.
I expected rolling hills of tall grass, lush and green. A beat-down dirt road cutting through it cleanly. I expected trees, rivers, life. But all that I see is wilted grass, flattened and dry. Cracked earth, skeletons of trees. There is not a cloud in sight, or any smell of rain. No all I smell is death, dust and emptiness. I see Navi fly ahead, her aura dim and glowing a deeper blue.
"Oh you guys should have seen this place in its life. It was so beautiful. So serene. I could have lived in just this field forever if I didn't need the energy of others. I thought that maybe this has all healed, but it was just a foolish dream," she sighs, sitting on my head sadly. "It used to be so nice..."
I can't help but let my thoughts wander to what she said about Hyrule, how it is cursed as well. One day our own beautiful Hyrule will become a wasteland like this. A place where no life, not even birds or animals, can live. This thought alone makes me feel far too unhappy to notice the smoke in the far distance until Sheik points it out. "It looks like it's coming from the north. From the map there was a city there, presumably Castle Town."
"Yes, the old Castle Town is north. But I'm not sure why there would be smoke. No one lives there."
"If they do, maybe we could get some more supplies. We aren't low, but with the trip back to our Hyrule that may not last us."
"I don't like it, but there is a place I would like to visit. Let's go. It will take a day to reach it, so we should start walking."
"So, Navi, you've travelled with a Link before," Midna casts a shadow spell over her head, like an umbrella, as she comes out of Sheik's shadow. This way she can walk under the sun without fear of it harming her. "Did your Link ever think about himself first?"
"Are you kidding? He hardly thought about his own well being at all! I was the one making sure he'd survive through a week," the Fairy giggles. "He would always push himself if someone asked him to do a task. I remember he didn't sleep for three days because he had to walk all across Hyrule to gather items from several different people. He got a very nice sword out of it, but he slept like a log for a solid five days afterwards. That hopeless boy."
I am forced to be embarrassed for both Time and myself as the two companions of Links talk about our shortcomings and awkward moments. I feel myself completely lose my mind when Navi says I had the cutest crush on a red-headed girl on a ranch. Midna smirks sideways at me at this. "Aww, does our little Link have a crush on a certain red-haired farm girl who won't stop flirting with her?"
'Of course not!' I groan, becoming limp over Sheik's shoulder. 'Calon just likes me because I saved her family. And do you know how confused people will be once my secret eventually comes out? Now that Nura was kind enough to open my eyes I've noticed a lot more of those girls flirtin' with me.'
"So, I'm curious, do you like boys or girls?" Midna pokes my nose.
'I honestly couldn't tell ya. I'm just not interested in that kinda stuff at the moment. Besides, s'not like I have the time. Savin' Hyrule is my first priority here.'
This is a topic I never think about, let alone talk about. I would like to have a family of my own one day, but not until my own adventures have come to a close. Not until I've settled down and Hyrule knows I'm a girl.
"You three are very odd," Sheik says, having been quiet for this whole time.
"You haven't seen the end of it," Midna smirks impishly.
"And now I regret coming with you," he mutters as we come into view of broken grey walls. The smoke still rises as the sun sets, turning the harsh light into a chilling dark. This is a world of extremes, it seems.
"Wait!" Navi halts us before we enter the town. She flies inside and comes back in a confused panic. "There are people there! But they're not like any humans I've seen before! They have grey skin, Hylian-like ears, black eyes. They look like they walked out of Din's Hell!"
"That sounds like Demons," Sheik says. "They were said to have invaded Hyrule eons ago, almost killing off every human in sight. I thought they were stories, or at least extinct. I wonder how they've lived so long in such a dead wasteland."
"Well these Demons won't get in my way. They don't seem like a dangerous lot, but I still don't want to get spotted on my way to see an old friend. You guys should stay clear, in case they are hostile towards you. I'll be right back."
I jump off Sheik's shoulder. 'Navi, wait! I'd like to come with you, if that's okay,' I think, sheepishly pawing the hard ground. 'I think I know who you are going to see. I don't want you to be alone.'
Her aura brightens, more than it has all day. "Of course you can come. Thank you, Link. It's this way."
I tell the other two to start setting up camp and follow Navi into the Demon town. The ones I can see are tall, even the woman seem to be taller than an average Hyrulian man, and most have different tones of grey skin, some cloud white and others black like coal. From the few I spot they seem to have either grey or black eyes. They are smiling, a few arguing, just like any other place in my Hyrule. Whatever these people did in the past is over and if they've found a way to use this shell of what was also a Hyrule, then I thank them for giving this land life.
Navi guides me through back allies and streets until we arrive at a tall building, a temple. Not an exploration temple, but a temple made for worship. There is a dried fountain beside it and a small cluster of graves on the other side. The temple is crumbled, but remains intact. Navi brings me to the graves, to two in the very back under a dead tree. I take a step back as I read their names.
Queen Zelda Hyrule
Loving Queen
Brilliant Friend
A Great Mother and Grandmother
Your family will miss you, but not forget you
Duchess Sheik Hyrule
Fierce Warrior
Faithful Friend
Kind and Wise Sister
Even with no blood between us, we are sisters for life. For this one and the next
The one on the right, Sheik's, looks older than the left, Zelda's. I feel my throat become dry as I look at the two graves, shocked to find that the writing on Sheik's grave is Zelda's. I hear Navi sob and look at her, feeling my own eyes burning. "Oh Link, you would have loved these two. The two of them together were a true force to be reckoned with. True sisters and good friends to us. This is why I was shocked to find the Sheik we know is not a reincarnation. Somehow, maybe it's foolhardy, I like to believe a bit of my friend sleeps within him. She was stoic and calm, but kind and loving. She and Zelda sacrificed so much for Hyrule, more than the history books care to show."
I nuzzle her gently, letting her cling to my muzzle. "I miss them so much, Link. It's not fair I live for so long. I won't get to see them for so long..."
'How 'bout I tell them you say hi when I meet 'em?' I lick her wing carefully. 'I'll see 'em sooner then you will.'
She giggles, it's not a true giggle but it is enough to make her aura return to her normal colour. "Heh, thank you, Link. We should go. I've payed my respects," I see two dead flowers set on the graves. "I never truly got to say goodbye. I had to return to the forest."
'I know they thought of you. You're unforgettable,' I think, bowing my head to the two friends of my last life. I hope you took good care of Time and he you.
When we return the others are far enough away from the walls to not grab attention, Sheik is grumbling under his breath and Midna is smirking in satisfaction. When I greet them, tail wagging despite my effort to keep it still, Sheik only says something about a ranch and walks ahead.
'What did you say to him?'
"Oh? Only that he's living in denial and needs to wake up."
'Denial? About what?'
Midna giggles that impish giggle, smirking devilishly, "You'll find out."
'That's not helpful at all.'
We follow Sheik to a ranch surrounded by high stone walls. I'm not surprised when it turns out the name of it is Lon Lon. We come into a run down and deserted ranch, much like the rest of the field. There are two buildings on either side of the ranch sign, a barn house and stables. Sheik is forced to break open the door of the house and steps in, not looking or talking to any of us. Did Midna break him or something?
"Link, there is one more grave. I think you should see this one, too," Navi says in a soft voice. It's late and I am getting tired, more than I should be so it might be my current body, but nod and follow her once more. She flies around a metal corral and towards a tall tower. Beside the tower, as she said, are graves.
As the last two in the town I took a step back. Now I feel fully numb and frozen as I look upon the name etched crudely into the wooden grave marking.
Link, Hero of Hyrule
Always Kind
Forever Gentle
Eternally Courageous
You were more than a Hero, you were a human being with love, hopes and dreams
May they all come true
There are indescribable feelings one experiences when they see their own name upon a headstone. Sometimes it is so easy to forget that I really am a reborn soul of another. The new body of an ancient curse. Zelda and I talk about it often, but nothing can quite compare to seeing your own true grave before you. To see where your last body is buried, to know that just below your feet there is a decomposed corpse that once held a life, once held your life.
"Many nobleman wanted him to be buried in Castle Town's cemetery, alongside the royalty. He refused, as they refused to bury the rest of his family with him. So when he passed away his family held his funeral here. He was the last to live between him, Zelda and his wife. You see, Link, Hylians used to be just as common as Hyrulians in this Hyrule. Before the great migration to your current Hyrule, where the Hylians seemed to all vanish. Link married a half-Hylian and they had three children. Sadly their littlest girl died at a young age. Their other daughter and son lived on, eventually having families of their own. I never met them, for they were the generation to leave this Hyrule behind when it began to die. I guess one of them went to live somewhere else and the other began to build the Lon Lon Ranch you know today. I guess the one who vanished was your ancestor," she smiles at me. I can see it through her aura, even. Tears form in her eyes. "You are so similar to him, Link. You really have no idea how much you remind me of him."
'I'm sorry.'
"Don't be sorry. It's not your fault for any of this. Eventually all life dies. That is just the order of things. I'm sorry if this has made you uneasy."
'It's okay.'
"Good." We yawn in unison. "Let's go sleep."
Sleep. Sleep sounds good. I can go for some sleep.
We've discussed it and tomorrow our search for the Spirit of Farore begins.
Gery: So in the Original I made two Magmas because I had an idea of them creating a ditch in the final battle, but I forgot about them xD So they're cut completely. Maybe they'll show up in my Skyward Sword story once I get to that. I won't until Bonded Triforce is complete...so expect that in a few years xD Also Joyce is not a Clydesdale anymore, but a Gerudo Desert horse, which is based off a Namib Desert Horse. I thought it would be more fitting in the end. Also Navi is here now! In the last one I thought four people would be too much so I had Navi stay behind. But now Navi has reunited with her friend in a sense and if she knows Link she knows she must be the one to protect the silly shortfry.
