A Shadow's Life: Part 2

By Pata Hikari

Food, water, clothing. It all needed to be gathered in preparation for my escape. For I did not know how far civilization would be. I did not trust the maps in the library, to tell the truth I stopped trusting anything to do with Ganondorf…

Gathering water was easy; I merely placed water from the faucets and placed them in makeshift containers. Gathering food was a bit different. Ganondorf is a very frugal man, and did not like using anything without purpose. It was difficult to obtain food that could be used for a long journey. But I finally managed to gather what I thought was enough.

Fortunately, I had little contact with Ganondorf throughout the preparations. The only time's I saw him was when we practiced. It was quickly evident that I had incredible natural talent with the sword, as well as the strange force called Magic. I mastered Din's Fire, becoming capable of pulling off amazing feats with it. Ganondorf was pleased, and directed me to a part of the library I had never been before. There he told me to learn the most destructive magic I could find. I knew then that my fears were confirmed; Ganondorf wanted nothing more then to make me a killing machine. It was amazing though, the section of the library covering magic was in a different room entirely, and was bigger then the rest of the library combined!

I absorbed the books, learning as much as I could. I ignored what Ganondorf told me and learned little magic used for destruction. Instead I learned mostly how to heal, how to expand my sight, and how to hide my presence. There is much more I learned from those books, I also learned which ones Ganondorf had read. For he had scribbled notes into margins of many the books. With these I could tell what he thought of them… I also learned of beings called the Sages. I did not know what they were; little was written about them other then that they were powerful. All I knew is that Ganondorf had scribbled into the margin; "They would make powerful allies…"

So, to be safe, I learned a spell that would allow me to contain a Sage, if I ever ran into one and it was on Ganondorf's side.

With that final act, I was ready. All I needed was to find the right moment to get out…

Trying to find the exit for the castle was a problem in and of itself. The massive building was like a maze, and I only knew of a portion of the higher floors. But I was determined to get away.

I put on the only pieces of clothing I hadn't received from Ganondorf, my black tunic and hat. I strapped the long, slightly curved, sword he had given me onto my side. My supplies were placed in a rucksack that I threw over my back. I took a deep breath, "No turning back…" I whispered to myself.

I ran into the hallways, dashing towards the great stairs that would hopefully lead me to almost any point in this dark building.

The bottom floor was strange. The stairs led to a large round room. It almost appeared to be a Keep surrounded by an empty moat. Doors ringed around the walls, with strange symbols I recognized from the book detailing the Sages hanging over them. There was also a hallway directly ahead… leading to a set of great doors. Hope filled me as I ran towards the doors. I gave no heed to the strange Beamos Statues that lined the hallways; the magical defense systems had always ignored me. I quickly pushed open the door…

…and almost fell several hundred feet into lava.

"Wha?" I stumbled back, waving my arms wildly as I struggled to regain my balance.

I fell back onto the stone floor. The Beamos' seemed to look at me in amusement. (Though I knew it's not possible, seeing as they had roughly the same intelligence as a small rodent, I still felt embarrassed.) "Oh look somewhere else." I snapped at them, before turning back towards the outside. The castle itself was hovering a massive lake of lava. The bubbling red molten rock promised doom to all who got near it.

And that was the cheerful part of the landscape.

The land surrounding the lava lake was black, scorched, and dead. The remains of buildings littered the area. Scrawny, desperate, wild animals scavenged the area looking for a scrap of food.

Of course, I was busy trying to figure out how to cross the lava without dying. Death, you see, didn't fit into my plans.

"OK Link, here's your problem." I told myself as I started to pace back and forth, "You need to find a way to travel about… one hundred feet in the air, above a pit of lava. And you have to do all this without dying a death that most defiantly be painful, what with the burning and the melting of the skin and organs and all." I sighed in frustration. "It isn't fair; I can't do all that preparation and just end up turning back!" I glared at the other side… "Come on! It's just stupid! Who freaking builds a castle floating over lava?" I shouted. I continued to look over at the land… almost willing myself over there.

And then, it happened again. That strange power… the burning feeling. Though, it wasn't Din's Fire, it was something else. Its name came unbidden to me.

Farore's Wind…

Then green swirls of light started swirling around me. Within an instant I could see nothing but that strange light… I suddenly felt the strangest feeling. While I could feel the stone floor beneath my feet, I could also feel empty air and a grainy dirt ground all at once. A powerful wind seemed to blow all around me, yet at the same time I felt nothing, saw nothing, heard nothing… yet I also saw, felt and heard everything. Then the green light faded, and I was standing in a different place.

"What?" I looked around, behind me was the castle, still floating over the lava. I had somehow moved using the strange power… more magic?

I shook my head, now was not the time to ponder the mysteries of the universe. Now was the time to get as far away from my old "home" as possible.

My first assumption about Ganondorf telling me that his castle resided in Hyrule Castle City was that he had lied about that. However, after a few minutes walking I discovered that Ganondorf had been telling the truth in that case. For I was in Castle City, it was just razed to the ground. Like everywhere else in the outside world, the city was dingy and wrecked. No building was left untouched. A bleak feeling hung over the whole area.

I shuddered, "How could I have missed this?" I knew how, of course, I had been foolish and ignorant, that's how. I began my trek though the ruins, keeping my eyes open for anything strange. Then I saw something, a person, crouched down, his back to me. "Hey!" I called as I ran towards him, "Are you alright?" I couldn't help but notice how pale the man was. There was something… unnatural about him, but I didn't pay my feeling any heed.

I reached the man, "Hello?" I asked, then I saw him slowly turn around…

And ended up staring into dead, empty eye sockets.

Letting out the screech of a dammed soul, the monster leaped at me, sharp teeth bared to rend my flesh. I somehow managed to roll to the side, saving my life.

The monster, as I realized it was once I got a good look at it, was about as tall as me. Its skin was a light brown color, though it was falling off in many places. Its face was flat, resembling a skull more then anything living. I quickly drew my sword; I knew I would need it.

However, the creature wasn't done yet. It turned to face me once more. Letting out another inhuman shriek it swiped a rotting hand at me. With a wave of my sword I somehow managed to chop it off. Not that the monster even noticed, it seemed to feel no pain. It just stumbled towards me again, screeching that horrible scream. I attacked with my sword again, aiming at the creature's waist. I quickly realized my error, as my sword became stuck in the monster's flesh. It swiped its remaining hand at me, giving me no choice but to pull back, leaving my weapon with it.

I swore in my native Kokiri (Which, compared to other languages, is rather tame. But it was all I knew) as I tried to figure out how to beat this.

The beast just lumbered towards me, its gait slightly stumbled from the added weight. I stepped back… I didn't know what to do…

Suddenly the monster let out a different scream. One that resembled one of pain. As a glowing point appeared in its chest. The whole creature was enveloped in golden fire. Then, it was gone. Leaving a man standing behind where it stood. My sword clattered to the ground.

"Huh?" I walked slowly towards my savior, picking up my sword on the way. He was slightly shorter then I. A tattered purple cloak covered his body, though I could see some traces of armor underneath it. Clasped in his hand was a wooden staff. He looked at me; I could only see one eye peering out of the shadows of the cloak. "Heh." He smirked, "And here I thought I'd gain a new product from the ReDead's efforts."

"ReDead?" I blinked, "Is that what that monster is called?"

The man nodded, "Yup. They're dead bodies reanimated with an artificial soul. Nasty little beasts. The Great Ganondorf uses them to keep people away from his castle." He laughed, "We're the only living things here for miles!"

Something about this man unnerved me. Yet I couldn't help be feel appalled, Ganondorf had created these creatures… and I had nearly thought of him as a friend.

"Wait." I looked at the man, "What do you mean by a 'new product by the ReDead's efforts?'"

The man shook his head, "To put it bluntly, I didn't expect you to be alive when I got here. I was thinking there might be a chance that your spirit would be turned into a Poe. There are a lot of them around these days."

I knew then that I didn't want to know anymore, so I asked something else, "How did you kill it?" I asked.

"How?" The man shrugged, "I used a Light Spell. Light Magic is pretty useful against the undead."

Magic… "Why didn't I think of using magic?" I mentally slapped myself.

"Don't be too hard on yourself." The man shrugged, "The scream of a ReDead isn't just for show, you know. It has nasty effects of people. Most can't even move after hearing it. To be able to fight back is impressive!" He smiled, "What's your name, boy?"

"Link." I answered.

"Well then Link." The man turned, "Follow me, I'll take you to my place, it's the only safe part of this whole city."

His house was rather small; it appeared to be the remains of some kind of storage place. It was placed right next to the broken remains of a gate leading to the world outside the city.

"Welcome to my humble abode." He said good naturedly, before laughing again.

I glanced at the strange bottles and cages with glowing symbols lining the walls. Multicolored flames that twisted and flickered, almost as if in a pure rage filled the containers. They were… strangely beautiful in a sense. I walked slowly towards them, as I did I began to hear voices, faint, as if they were whispering very quietly.

"diepaindeathwhysuffer"

I reached towards the flames… they flickered towards me, as if happy that I was there.

"youdieiliveyoumustobeytheywillpay"

I touched one of the flames, it felt so warm and comforting… then the whisper exploded into a roar.

"WHY I DIE WHY OTHERS LIVE THEY ALL PAY AND DIE BURN IN FIRES OF HELL ALL SHALL BURN ALL SHALL SUFFER THE LAND WILL BECOME RUIN MY POWER SHALL DESTROY LIFE BRING DEATH DEATH DEATH DEATH!"

I recoiled from the fires, suddenly shocked from the pure, burning hatred that had filled my being. "What the hell is that?"

"A Poe." The man answered calmly, "The soul of a dead person who is kept in this world by the sheer power of its anger and hatred."

I stared at the fires, they no longer seemed they beautiful…

"You continue to impress me kid, you managed to break out of the Poe's grasp without my help." The man patted me on the back, "The names Edgar."

"Thanks…" I muttered, this place was just plain creepy.

"So, Link, what are you doing in this hell hole of a town?" Edgar asked as he set up some food for dinner. It was incredibly simple compared to the rich foods I had eaten back at the Castle, but I did not complain.

I picked up a slice of bread, "Well, I…" for a second I paused, trying to phrase it best, "…was a prisoner of Ganondorf."

"A prisoner? Now I'm impressed!" Edgar laughed again (Which strangely resembled the bark of a dog…) "You managed to survive being a prisoner of Ganondorf?"

I shook my head, "It wasn't like that. He was trying to brainwash me. Turn me into his own little private solider."

Edgar looked thoughtful for a moment, "So, what are you going to do now?"

I paused; I hadn't given that much thought. "I guess that I just want to get as far away from Ganondorf as possible."

Edgar nodded, "So you want to leave the country eh?" He shook his head, "You'll want to find the resistance then. They smuggle people down to Protricen."

The resistance… Sheik. "Where do I find them?" I asked eagerly.

Edgar shrugged, "I wouldn't know. I've met Sheik twice. Once when he helped me with some troublesome spirits. And the other time a few weeks ago. He was really excited about something. He left with some kid, looked kinda like you."

"Do you have any idea where they might be going?" I asked.

"Not a clue." Edgar shook his head. "Sorry kid, he's real secretive." He gave me a sympathetic look, "I suggest just going out and looking. If the Goddesses be willing you'll find what you need."

Goddesses? I didn't know what those were, yet the phrase sounded familiar. The only time I had ever heard anything sounding like that was the one time Ganondorf had said he needed "the power of the gods." Yet, despite that I nodded, "Thank you for your hospitality. I'll be sure to remember it."

Edgar laughed, "No need Link; I'm sure you'll repay me someday… even if you forget it!"

I sighed at the strangeness of the man. "Well, I'd best be on my way…"

"Good luck kid."

I stepped out of the city to what once was a large plain. However, the grass was dead and trampled. Yet, I could see some traces of light coming from the sky some distance away. Yet the part above me was obscured by dark clouds.

That's when I felt it. It was so sudden that nothing could prepare me. A rush of burning power that quickly filled my being. I collapsed to the ground, even as I heard a loud rumbling in the distance. A massive explosion suddenly sounded, and I heard a voice.

"Good luck, Brother. I'll be here to support you."

And then another memory returned to me.

"Well, I'll be darned! You did it!" Darunia said cheerfully.

"Kill me now…" I muttered. I felt sore all over.

"Heh, I'm guessing you're pretty sore huh?" Darunia leaned down over me, that very silly looking grin on his face.

Outsiders are so freaking weird.

"If I ever suggest doing something like this again throw me to the Deku Babas." I finally said.

"Ah ha!" Darunia laughed again, "I'll take that as a yes!"

"Well… at least I took care of those nasty lizards." I smiled weakly.

"That you did." Darunia patted me on the shoulder, "You did a good job." He held his other hand out, "Here, a deal's a deal."

There, in his hand, was the Goron's Ruby. What had I came here for. "Thank you." I said, grasping the gem. "I promise I'll return it once I'm done with it."

"Good to hear." Darunia smiled, "Tell me, Link, how would you feel about becoming my Brother?"

"What?" I sat up, wincing as a new pain shot through my head.

"Well, you've done us such a great service that I feel the need to repay you." Darunia suddenly became serious. "I would be honored to take you into my family."

I paused… the concept of brothers wasn't foreign to me, and I wouldn't mind having one. "Sure, I'd be glad too Darunia."

"Thank you, Brother Link." Darunia suddenly pulled me into one of those back-breaking Goron Hugs.

"Urk… I don't wanna die!" I managed to squeeze out.

Ishuddered as the memory returned to me. It hadn't been an unpleasant one; in fact it had been somewhat enjoyable. But the rush of power that had came with it… it had been given to me by that person in the memory. Darunia.

How? Who was he? Did he know I was alive, and had sent me some power to aid me?

Whoever he was, he was powerful. Yet despite my questioning, no answers came.

There was no time to ponder such mysteries… Using what I could remember of the maps, I started walking towards where I thought Kakariko Town was. Perhaps I could find aid and sanctuary there.

It took only a few hours to reach Kakariko. I looked around at the quiet hamlet. People of many races and kinds were flitting through it. It was a town of refugees, it seemed. There was a tension in the air that was barely felt. Some of the people stared at me as I walked through the square. I couldn't help but feel nervous as people's eyes turned to me. A Harinco girl walked up to me. With short blue hair and a simple red dress. Her cat-like ears perked up at me. While her large tail swished around in irritation. A soft glare was on her face.

"Um, hello?" I asked uneasily.

"Who are you? And what are you doing here?" She said icily, her eyes were not on my face, they instead kept focused on the sword strapped to my side.

"I'm called Link." I answered truthfully, "I'm… searching for refuge."

"You've come to the right place then." The woman continued to speak coldly. "Kakariko is the place for those who have lost their home to go." She gave me a look over, as if taking note of some part of me. "Though, you seem rather well off compared to others I have seen. Stumbling in here, no money, no home, nothing but the clothes on their backs and a family. Yet you…" She tugged at my tunic, "You have comfortable clothing in good shape. You appear well fed. Hell, most people aren't even lucky enough to have a rusty old knife for protection. Yet alone a Gerudo forged katana."

I shuddered under her gaze. It was obvious she did not trust me. "You did not tell me your name…" I said quietly, trying to draw some attention to her,

"And I think I will keep it that way. Unless you prove you are trustworthy." She answered harshly, "Watchmen saw you approach. A Sheikah in black, wearing a Gerudo sword, left the ruins of Castle City in the morning. We did not see you enter."

"Now w-wait…" I stepped back, "I'm sorry if things seem suspicious… but really… I need help." I paused, something occurred to me. "Are you with the resistance?" I asked quietly.

The Harinco's eyes widened, then narrowed, "You just played your hand… scum of Ganondorf!"

"What?" My reflexes took over, as a clawed fist flew at my head, "Wait! I can-" I recoiled as a strong kick winded me. The Harinco girl then slammed her fist against my head. Lights flashed before my eyes as I felt a strange power flow through me… painful.

I blacked out.

To be continued…