Hey guys! I'm back! Sorry it took me so long! I have a lot of college work to do. Anyways on to the next chapter!
Chapter 11: Training and Dilemmas
It had been roughly eight weeks since the day Link, Midna, Zelda, and Darian travelled to the Gorons and Zoras and asked for their help. A few days later, they had arrived at Hyrule Castle, ready to train and prepare for the upcoming war. Drimani, general of the army, had his work cut out for him: plan strategies, encourage the troops, and make sure the training was going as planned and no shortcuts were taken. Rusl, Ashei, and Medeus were all offering their help in organizing exercises and planning with Drimani. All in all, training the soldiers to work well with each other was going rather smoothly, and almost all of the troops got along with each other.
While the army trained at the grounds of the castle, the Princess of Light had transported the others to Arbiter's Grounds to begin their own arduous training. They knew the training they would undertake was far more dangerous and thus needed the seclusion to prevent hurting the other soldiers. All of them were now working on their weaknesses and keeping their strengths from becoming rusty.
Link spent most of his time working with the Fused Shadow piece that had offered him assistance not too long ago. He could now fly for short periods of time and warp wherever he wished to go, but in doing so he consumed a large amount of energy. He was even able to cast spells, mostly defensive techniques he developed with Darian's help, but Midna had taken the time to teach him a few attack spells. He would also become familiar with Light Arrows and throwing knives, getting help from Zelda whenever appropriate. The Light Arrows, Link realized, were much harder to control than the regular arrows he once used and took energy to wield. In time, he was able to fire the arrows with good precision. In short, Link was the quickest to learn the new techniques, although he needed further training to fully develop his new powers. However, his swordplay and close range combat became nearly unstoppable, which was why he was the team's main swordsman and close combatant.
Darian would be spending his time working on his reflexes and perfecting his defensive and healing capabilities. By now, he was able to hold the basic blue barrier for extended periods of time without breaking a sweat, and started working with the barrier to perform other tasks such as redirecting magic and projectiles back to where they originated. He also began training his attack spells to become more familiar in that department, asking Midna and Zelda for assistance, a request they were only too happy to accept. His healing skills were an invaluable asset to the team, as he was able to heal all but fatal injuries. His capabilities with the Darkwhip were unmatched by all, and was deadly with his twin daggers. In close range combat, only Link surpassed him. Darian would become the team's healer and main defense, using the whip as his main weapon.
Zelda was training on improving her Light Magic and the ways of the sword. Using the Triforce of Wisdom and her recently acquired stamina, the amount of spells she could cast rose greatly, and by now was able to even cast multiple spells simultaneously, although they were not quite as powerful. She had also received training from Midna and Darian in the ways of Twilight and Night magic, augmenting her magical skills. Link helped her train in close combat, giving her tips and teaching her the more experienced moves he picked up along his previous travels. She was now able to duel using close combat if she had to. Zelda's main strength was in her ability with the Light Arrows and throwing knives. Her accuracy was matched by none, hitting all of her targets with impeccable aim. She was now able to fire dozens of Light Arrows without feeling fatigued. Zelda became the team's long-ranged fighter, attacking with the Light Arrows and throwing knives, along with using magic to aid the others and distract the enemy.
Midna, like Zelda, was training in the ways of the sword and she, like Zelda, was quickly learning the more complicated moves Link was taught during the Twilight Crisis. In time, she was able to combine her Twilight Magic with the sword to become more agile and capable. She was able to duel Darian for a long period of time before he finally defeated her, and was even able to make Link break a sweat, for which she laughed at, earning a playful scowl from the Hero. Midna also became experienced in defensive spells, courtesy of Darian, and used them to block incoming attacks in close range combat should she not be able to block using her sword. Her strength by far was in her attack spells. Midna's magic was powerful enough to destroy even the most powerful objects and cause instant death to powerful warriors. Only Darian was able to successfully deflect her spells, although he quickly fatigued due to the strain. She became the team's attacking mage, using her devastating spells to destroy any opposition that would come her way. The most interesting part of her training was that she started developing a connection with the other three, communicating her thoughts to them through her mind. Midna knew about the Triforce and how the Bearers could communicate with one another through their pieces. Which made it even more surprising that she could now do the same. She even thought she saw a faint outline on her right hand, but brushed it off quickly as an awkward lighting from the sun.
The four Heroes would spar every now and again, using any method they wished to make the opponent submit. Each of them managed to duel the others one on one, gaining an understanding and respect for the methods they used. They had even formed teams to take the other two opponents down. One of two such matches had Darian and Link facing Zelda and Midna, and the duel ended in a stalemate. This was owing to the fact that Link had managed to roll behind Zelda and raise his sword to her neck while Midna brought a bolt close to Link's chest, thus eliminating them both. This left Midna and Darian to duel, attack against defense. Darian seemed to be losing, until he purposefully let his barrier shatter, barely dodging the bolt Midna had fired. She fired another bolt, smiling smugly as it seemed Darian was not going to be able to repel it, only to be shocked when he used his wings to block the bolt. A moment later, Darian was inches away, his hand glowing dark blue and pointing at her chest while her hand was glowing purple and pointed at his head, resulting in the draw. The other team duel had Link and Midna paired against Darian and Zelda. This battle lasted much longer, and ended with Link and Midna narrowly winning once Midna had her glowing hand trained on Zelda's chest.
The third team duel was about to begin, as the sun was beginning to set. On one side of the Grounds, Link and Zelda stood eyeing their opponents, Darian and Midna, who seemed to be doing the same. This was going to be a battle of speed and agility versus attack and defense. This time, Link had a trick up his sleeve. He used the Triforce to communicate his thoughts with Zelda.
"Hey Zellie. I may try to bring in the Fused Shadow and my own magic into the fight to catch them off guard."
"Okay wolfy, but be careful as they may have tricks of their own. Remember we do not have attack and defense on our side."
"I know, which is why speed, agility, and the element of surprise would need to work out in our favor." Link approached the two opponents slowly, raising his sword and shield in anticipation. He decided to taunt them. "Hey my little imp!" he called. "Ready for a merciless ass-kicking?" Her response was sending a bolt of magic his way, which he easily dodged.
"Dream on wolf-boy!" Midna hollered back. "I can kick your sorry behind any time I want!" She began relentlessly firing bolts of magic at the Hero, who promptly began dodging the assault. He soon realized he was going to have to implement his tricks soon if he and Zelda were going to win.
"Zelda, try holding Darian away long enough so I can get to Midna. I can't warp behind her and attack if Darian would notice."
"I'll see what I can do." Zelda launched throwing knives at Darian, who brought up his blue barrier. The knives were held up by the barrier and instead began raining back down on Zelda, who used Nayru's love to stop the knives in their tracks. This did the trick, however, as Darian decided to pursue Zelda with the Darkwhip in his hand. She dodged his attacks nimbly and brought out her sword to attack him at close range. This forced Darian to retract his whip and bring out his daggers. Locked in a furious battle, they completely ignored Link and Midna, the former of which was dodging the latter's attacks.
"Hey Midna! You couldn't hit the black stone with that pathetic aim, much less me!" Link was joking.
"I don't think you even launched an attack on me yet! Dodging like a chicken won't get you anywhere!"
"You're right! Here I come! Boleda Maro!" Midna was shocked at the fireball headed her way and only narrowly dodged the bolt. Magic? she thought. Impressive… But he should know that won't get him anywhere! It's time I show him what MY magic can do.
"Haha nice parlor trick! But you'll have to do better than that to…" she was cut off as Link suddenly disappeared. She did not even have time to turn as he pressed the cold steel of his blade against her neck.
"You were saying?" he chided playfully.
"Damn… Alright wolf-boy, next time you won't be so lucky." They watched as Darian and Zelda continued with their fight. Zelda seemed pretty well matched up for only truly learning how to swordfight in the last two months. However, as expected, Darian eventually disarmed her and brought his daggers to her chest.
"Good duel Zelda, but I believe I have won."
"Yes, I agree." Then she turned to Link. "Link please beat him. I'd rather we not lose."
"I'll do my best." Darian approached Link and smiled, pointing his daggers at him.
"Well I see it's just you and me left, huh old friend?"
"Seems like it! Let's put on a show for all to enjoy!" Link answered.
The ensuing duel seemed to take hours as each participant fought his hardest to gain the upper hand. Not only were flight and warping used, but quick magic spells were also in play. Neither Darian nor Link could outsmart each other. Zelda and Midna looked on in awe as the two continued their match.
"Your wolf is going to win. Dari only got lucky against me." Zelda teased.
"Dream on. Wolfy is going to lose and I will laugh in his face." Midna retorted. She was proven wrong when Link finally managed to sidestep Darian's lunge and brought his sword to his back.
"Shoot," Darian spoke quietly after they caught their breaths. "That was awesome. Congratulations Link."
"Thanks Dari. I have to admit, you would have defeated Ganondorf with those moves I'm sure." At this both men laughed.
"I'm quite flattered that you would say that, thank you," Darian joked. He turned to the ladies and addressed the group as a whole. "Well I can safely say that we have improved much since we first started training. I personally feel like I can take on Zant myself."
"Uhh no," Midna held a hand up. "It is I who shall be taking on Zant."
"And leave us to deal with the pathetic clones he dubs his army? Never!" Link laughed. "If anything I'll help you!"
"Wolf-boy…" Midna stopped when Link gave her his trademark glare, his eyes showing the hidden beast within. "Fine. But only because we faced him before!" she added quickly. Darian and Zelda decided to push her buttons a little more.
"Midna, Link and I faced him for the Fused Shadow that would later save your sorry butt from that dungeon…" Darian pointed out. Midna glared at him.
"Hey, I still have a score to settle with him because he took over my kingdom," Zelda added. Link burst out laughing while the Twilight Princess shot the Light Princess a look that clearly said "You're not helping!"
"Looks like you have nothing else to say Mid. All of us have our reasons for fighting Zant. Let us help. And we will not take 'no' for an answer." He grinned wolfishly while Midna sighed.
"Oh whatever. You three are starting to bug me. I might end up blasting you all with magic before I fight Zant." The others feigned hurt.
"Oh come now, you love us and you know it," Darian said with a wink.
"Please don't blast us," Zelda added dryly.
"Otherwise Caedin screws the world!" Link finished.
"Will you all just shut up!" They continued harassing Midna even after they were back within the castle walls. Once they had their dinner (Drimani joined them and discussed how much the soldiers improved), they each left to do their own thing. Zelda had to attend to business regarding her kingdom, so she was now sitting in her office. Drimani went to town with Ashei; the first "date" had gone very well and they became quite close. Link took a walk in the castle grounds, simply enjoying the evening. He was surprised that Midna did not join him, yet he was comfortable giving her as much privacy as she needed. Darian was back in his room, meditating in order to calm his emotions and clear his mind. At least until someone knocked on his door, disrupting his session. Wondering who it could be, he opened the door, and was surprised to see…
"Hi Midna."
"Hey Darian." The two stared at each other awkwardly until the Twilight Princess spoke up again. "I was wondering if I could talk to you about… some things."
Darian snapped out of his thoughts and stepped to the side. "Of course! Come in," he said with a smile. Midna stepped into the room while he closed the door behind her. Seeing the woman standing around, he gestured to a comfortable chair. "Well make yourself comfortable! I'm not going to bite!"
Midna sat down in the aforementioned chair. "Umm… I was not sure of who else to go to about this certain issue that I have…" she began.
"Well I would have guessed that you would take it up with Link first. After all, you two are a couple," Darian responded.
"It's just that though. It's about… Link." Darian frowned.
"What about him? Don't tell me you don't have feelings for the Hero…"
"No! It's nothing like that!" Midna said quickly. Darian visibly relaxed. "It's just… A dilemma I have."
"I see." Darian sat in thought for a moment and then continued. "Well I cannot guarantee helping you, but I shall do my best." He concluded with a gentle smile.
"Thank you. Well…" Midna trailed off. Was this even a good idea? Darian was Link's best friend after all. Perhaps it would have been better to talk to Drimani? But he would not understand the situation. She realized if anyone could help, Darian could. "It's just, what will happen after this war to save the world?"
"Hmm… I have not really thought about it. I normally live in the moment and take things as they come. That is how I have always been. Midna why do you ask this question?"
"I wanted to know from you. What do you plan to do after the war?" Darian sat in thought. He had talked with Zelda about what happened after, if they managed to survive that is.
"Well… I was planning on turning the kingdom over to Drimani, as I have no doubt that he would make a great king."
"But why?"
"The answer, although possibly difficult to understand, is simple. Zelda and I talked about this, and it has been decided that should we survive the battle with Caedin, she and I would to be wed and rule together here in the Light Realm."
Midna looked at him thoughtfully. "I am simply worried for my kingdom Darian…" Said Night Dweller cut her off.
"So you know what to do."
"It's not that simple."
"How is it not? If you feel you have a duty to your people…"
"Yes, but my heart belongs to Link. I know I have to give up one of the two. My people, or Link."
Darian was surprised. He thought Midna would figure it out through his example with Zelda. "Midna, you do not have to sacrifice either of them."
"What do you mean?" she asked, even though she thought she knew where he was going.
"I'm saying once the war is over, take Link with you to the Twilight Realm and rule together. It's that simple."
"No." Midna said immediately. "I cannot do that."
"And why not?"
"First of all, how would my people react to a Light Dweller as King of Twilight? I also cannot take him from his home world, where all of his friends and family are."
"Midna… To answer your question, they would react the same way as the people of Hyrule would once Zelda announces our marriage. Some would support us, and some would not. But that would happen no matter who Zelda marries. Such is the life of politics. As to your second statement…" Darian paused. "I think Link believes that wherever you are, that is where he should be. His heart is set on you."
"But that will make it harder for me to do what I should." Midna protested.
Darian was beginning to get annoyed. "Are you saying that after all that he has done for you, saving your world once, saving you from Zant, and will help recover your world once again from mad usurpers, that you would be willing to give him up again?"
"I think that would be the right thing to do." Midna's voice was rising now. "After all, I have my kingdom to look after. I cannot have the council at my throat for choosing a Light Dweller as my husband. Not only could they take my throne, but they may hurt Link."
"Forgive me Princess, but it sounds to me like you simply assume this without first asking this council of yours and your people for their opinions." Darian responded coldly.
"Why does that matter to you?" Midna growled.
"Because I do not want you to be sorry later that you had not asked." Darian shot back. He did not like where this was going.
"It doesn't matter anyways. Once this whole thing is done, I will go back to my kingdom and Link will stay here. Perhaps I would prevent him from coming back to the Twilight as before."
Darian laughed bitterly. "Oh yeah, running away again are we Princess? In case you haven't noticed, you cannot prevent him from reaching your world. He has already successfully combined the magic of the Fused Shadow with the Master Sword, thus granting him access whenever he chooses."
"I'll find a way," Midna retorted.
"You are making a huge mistake!" Darian exclaimed. "You two love each other too much! If you sever the connection, should you find a way, the both of you will be devastated beyond belief! Just listen to yourself!"
"LOVE DOES NOT MATTER IN THIS SITUATION!" Midna screamed.
"OF COURSE IT DOES! IT CAN DICTATE HOW WELL YOU CAN RULE THE KINGDOM! IF YOUR HEART IS NOT TRULY THERE, YOU CANNOT MAKE AN EFFECTIVE RULER!" Darian yelled back.
"WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT RULING? YOU NEVER WERE ONE!" Darian was stung by these words but he quickly recovered.
"MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK!" He took a minute to calm down before speaking again, in a quieter but cold tone nonetheless. "Look. It seems to me that you have already made your decision. All I can tell you is you are an idiot for not choosing the path that is the best for your people and for yourself."
"Hmpf, don't you call me an idiot. You would never understand." Midna fired back.
"Neither would I."
Both Midna and Darian turned to the door and were shocked at who they saw. "Link…" Darian started but stopped. He noticed something in Link had changed. His demeanor was no longer pleasant as it had been in the past, but much darker now. He was beginning to get worried. "How much have you heard…?"
"Oh I heard enough," Link spat, alarming Darian. The Hero turned to Midna. "I hope you're happy Twilight Princess. You'll be getting everything you want once this thing blows over. Your kingdom, your people, the world, peace. I can see that I will not be a part of that, even though I gave my heart to you and even decided to give you another chance after you broke the Mirror, thinking that you had done it for a noble reason."
"Link, please…" Midna was cut off brutally.
"Say no more. It is clear what you want. I'm merely glad I found out about this sooner rather than right when it was happening… Like before." With that, Link stormed out of the room.
"Link!" Darian called. He heard a door being opened and loudly closing. "Oh no…" He whirled on the Twilight Princess. "See what this has caused? You just broke his heart. AGAIN. Congratulations." Darian quickly left the room as well to go find Zelda. He needed to calm down and Zelda always had the ability to make him do just that.
Midna just sat on the bed in the now vacated room and began to cry. Link… What have I done…? Please... Come back.
This chapter was a little shorter than before, considering that it is one of the few interlude chapters. I have decided to split my tale into three parts. The first part is the opening and rescue, spanning chapters 1-7, the interlude from chapter 8 to wherever the battles begin, and the battles make up the last chapters. Hopefully I'll have chapter 12 up soon! R&R!