Chapter Eleven: Suspicions

If you could see the look on Link's face right now, you'd wanna slowly back away. And I mean slowly. He looks downright dangerous when he scowls. The moonlight illuminated the gold chain mail that he wore under his green tunic and the sword and shield on his back. If I didn't know him any better, I'd be completely terrified. That sword looks very sharp.

Whoa, whoa, hold on a second...when did he get those?

...Why is it that I don't notice these things sooner?

Midna didn't look the least bit intimidated. "Oooo..." She giggled. "The big, strong hero thinks he can scare me!" She leapt into the air and landed on his shoulder. "Lighten up. She's not hurt." The twilight shadow offered me a toothy grin. "Right, clumsy?"

I was tempted to say no, but I just forced a smile. "Right, pixie."

Her eyes narrowed. "What did you just say?"

Mental note—call Midna "pixie" from now on. It makes her mad. "You heard me."

"Don't insult me like that, clumsy. Pixies are weak. You'll find one way or another, that I am not."

"Really, now." I wasn't impressed. "How come you're with Link, then, huh?"

He snorted from behind me. "Trust me. She wouldn't even be here if she hadn't helped me, and I promised to help in return."

I turned to him, frowning. "Helped you?"

"I told you the castle had been taken over, completely covered in twilight."

"Yeah, but what does that have to do with it?"

"In the twilight...I become a wolf. And I was imprisoned in the castle for a time."

I did my best to look surprised. It's kinda hard when you're as exhausted as I was, but I think I pulled it off. At least, I hope I did. If not, I'm in big trouble. "What?...I mean, how?—"

He folded his arms. "I don't know."

"It doesn't really matter, does it?" Midna said, with a hint of frustration. "I'm helping you and clumsy here, and you have to help me."

"And just how are you helping me?" I asked.

"By letting you come along."

"Since when do you get to decide who goes and who stays?"

She gave a grin and patted Link's head. "Since I let this one be my servant." Midna looked over me once. "I suppose I could let you be one, too. But you look too weak. Maybe not. We'll see how the first week goes."

"Why I oughta—"

Link grabbed my arm before I could do anything (like strangle her and drop her off some cliff) and pulled me back. "Let it go." He whispered. "It's not worth it."

"I dunno. It'd sure make me feel better." I muttered.

"Why don't we go back to the inn?" He suggested. "It'll be a long day tomorrow. We need to go back and let the rest of Ordon know that the children are all right. Maybe Rusl can give you a lesson on how to use that halberd."

I started down towards the village. "Maybe." I agreed, yawning.

Midna floated along behind us. "Well, get some rest. My servants must be in top shape! Well...servant." She giggled. "Night!" With that, she jumped into Link's shadow and disappeared.

"That's just creepy how she does that..." I commented.

"You don't know the half of it." Link said.

I figured I probably didn't. But boy did she ever make me mad.

...This is going to be a very long journey.


I pulled open the bedroom door back at the inn and was greeted by Maya and Jillian's laughter. The room was lit well with candles now and had been separated by a curtain that hung from the ceiling. The wardrobe and clothes dressers were back in place now, too.

"Oh, Amanda." Maya greeted. She snuggled into a soft-looking robe. "You're back. Where'd you go?"

I dropped down onto the bed next to her. "Just for a walk. It's pretty nice out." Without Midna, that is.

"We found a bag of clothes and such in an abandoned wagon." The older girl got up and rummaged around in the wardrobe. "Might they be yours?" She asked, holding out the bag.

I reached for it and ran my fingers along it. "Yeah. How'd you know?" I took it and glanced inside. Phew. Those monsters hadn't taken anything from it. The empty bottle from the potion I'd drank was still in there, too.

Jillian laughed. "We already asked the other women, dear. You were the only one left."

"Oh." I nodded and pulled out my nightgown that Ilia had given me what seems a lifetime ago.

"Are you okay?" Maya asked, concern in her dark eyes. "You seem kinda...out of it."

"Just tired." I assured her, letting the cool gown slide on easily. "I promise, I'll be just fine in the morning." Especially if Midna isn't there.

"If you..." The older girl just sighed as I flopped down, face in pillow. "...say so."

I punched my pillow to flatten it. "Yep. I do."

She chuckled. "Goodnight, Amanda."

"Goodnight, Maya."

I finally layed down and pulled the covers over my head with a groan. Maybe in the morning Midna would magically be gone and I wouldn't have to deal with her.

Oh, who am I kidding? She's gonna be here with us the whole time.

Yep, the whole...time...

I cried myself to sleep.


It's cold.

I shivered and rubbed my arms to try and keep warm. Where was the blanket? My hand touched solid stone when I reached to feel beneath me. Better yet, where was the bed?

I sat up and opened my eyes slowly. The inn that I was sleeping in was no longer. Now there was some sort of temple in its place. I'd been laying in the shadows of one of the giant stone pillars that towered to the cathedral ceiling. Beautiful crystal windows were black with the darkness outside. Whether it was night or something else, I didn't want to know.

I stepped gingerly out from the shadows and onto a red and gold carpet that looked like it belonged in some fairytale castle. My boots didn't make a sound on the beautiful carpet as I moved forward towards an altar. There was some kind of carving in the stone wall behind it. As I got closer, I cold hardly contain my gasp. A Triforce was carved carefully and perfectly into the wall, a sun and it's rays set underneath.

Jumping down the steps two at a time, I ran back towards the entrance of the temple. A grey platform sat there, and on it, more carvings. This time, of a very familiar medallion. I fell to my knees and ran my fingers over it.

"If this is your idea of a joke, Midna, it isn't funny!" I shouted. My voice just echoed off the walls. I sighed. "I'm seriously..."

"In trouble." A male voice finished.

Chills went down my spine at the sound of it. "Who's there?" I stood and braced myself. For what, though? It rung all around, so I couldn't tell where it'd come from.

The answering voice laughed from behind me now. "Do you really think that stupid Midna would know that you knew about this place?" I opened my mouth to answer, but someone started to step out of the shadows. "Unless you know some things you shouldn't..."

I clamped my hands over my mouth to keep from screaming as I finally caught sight of who'd been lurking in those shadows.

Ganondorf.

"Well, answer me, you foolish girl!" The King of Thieves took a menacing step towards me, but I stepped back even further to keep our distance. "What do you know?"

I frowned as much as I could. "Why should I tell you? Maybe you should tell me how you know about me, first."

He sneered. "It's simple. This is my world now; past, present, and future. If something goes on to disturb my perfect balance, then I know about it." Ganondorf had somehow closed the space between us in the blink of an eye and grabbed my chin in his hand, forcing me to look up at him. "The moment it happens."

He let go and knocked me to the floor. I managed to push myself up and glare at him, even though I was terrified. This guy could kill me here and now, and I was without any form of defense. I'd never get to go home. Never get to see my family and friends again.

"So tell me...what do you know?"

But...I've made friends here, too. And some of them have been like family and taken me in, after knowing me only an hour, maybe.

"Answer me, girl!" Ganondorf drew his sword.

...Dang it, what should I do? I'm running out of time to think about this!

Which proves that I think about these things waaayyyyy too much. I should just go with my heart. And my heart says...

"There's no way in hell I'm telling you anything." I replied calmly, getting to my feet now.

He smirked. "Heh. You don't understand do you? Foolish girl. You're not getting out of here alive." Ganondorf came charging at me with a cry.

My reflexes kicked in and I jumped to the side, barely missing the stroke of the sword. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough. He swung the sword in an arc and struck my side, leaving a long gash.

I cried out in pain and clutched my side, blood flowing freely from the wound. The sword came at me again and I barely got out of the way in time. One second later, and I'd be sliced in half. I grimaced, falling to one knee. Everything was getting fuzzy...My other leg gave out and I fell to the floor.

"I told you, you stupid girl. This is my world now. You have to follow my rules." I could hear his boots on the carpet. The swish of his sword above me made my heart sink.

I can't die. Not now. Not so early in this...this can't be happening...

"And you broke them. Now you must die."

Several things happened all at once. The wind that the sword made brushed my face as it came down towards my body. I braced myself for it; the feel of the blade as it slid through me. But it never came. Another rush of air came, as did a strangled cry from Ganon as he hit the stone floor.

I could feel a strong arm slip under me and lift me up halfway. "I know you can hear me." A commanding female voice said as swords clashed in the background. "Nod your head if you understand me."

I nodded slowly. Oh man, did my head ever hurt.

"Good." I heard the woman rummaging around in a bag. "This is a red potion. I need you to drink it."

Oh, no. Not one of those. Anything but that! "Don't...like 'em." I managed with a small cough. "Nothing...could make...me...drink it..."

"If you want to live, you must."

I don't care! Wait, yes I do. "F-fine..." I coughed again. The woman helped me sit up a little more and handed it to me. Well, here goes again. I downed it in a few gulps and shivered in disgust.

There was another cry in the background and someone else came to stand in front of me and my savior.

"Damn it!" Ganondorf hissed. "This isn't over, girl! You got lucky this time! Next time, there won't be anyone to save you!" A whoosh of wind and the temple was silent.

I tried to open my eyes. Whoa. The room spun like a merry-go-round and I closed them again.

"Don't push yourself." The newcomer said, as he bent over me. "Take your time. You've been injured pretty badly."

That voice...sounded so familiar...like someone I knew...

I tried one last time to open my eyes and keep them open. My vision was blurry, but I could make out the features of the woman helping me sit up. Her crimson eyes watched me gently. She had short silver hair that was pulled back from her face, revealing a sharp silhouette.

As I turned to glance at my other rescuer, my vision began to grow dark.

"What? What's happening?" I heard him and could just barely feel him reach for me as I faded. The last thing that filled my sight was the image of Link's face.


I shot up in bed in a cold sweat, a silent scream caught in my throat. I was back in my bed now, in my nightgown. And I wasn't bleeding to death. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mmm...Manda?" I turned to see Maya rubbing her eyes sleepily, arms hugging her pillow. "Is everything okay?..."

"I'm fine." I yawned a little and slid my feet over the side of the bed. "Just a scary dream, that's all." My feet touched the cold floor and I shivered, reaching for a robe. "I'm gonna go get some-" I held back a cry of pain when I stood.

Maya was wide awake now. "Amanda? What's wrong?"

"N-nothing." I replied, standing carefully now. My side was killing me. "Just a leg cramp."

"Are you sure?" Even in the darkness, I could see the concern in her eyes.

I nodded. "I'm just gonna go get some water and take a walk." I wrapped the robe tighter around me and managed a smile. "I'll be back, okay?."

She didn't look convinced, but she nodded back anyway. "Okay...If you need me, I'll be up here."

"Kay." I stepped out into the hallway and shut the door behind me.

It had to be well after midnight at least. Most of the candles were out in the room, with the exception of one, which I held now. The shadows in the room had seemed menacing, closing in on me by the second. I was all too glad to get out of there.

I made an effort to be extra quiet as I tiptoed down the stairs and into the kitchen. My side ached like heck. Funny...it was the same side that I'd been injured on in my dream. I reached for a red potion on one of the shelves.

But...

I paused, setting the potion down. It seemed really real. I could feel what was going on. The softness of the carpet beneath my feet, the cold stone floors, the swiftness of Ganondorf's sword as it barely missed me a second time. And...the people who rescued me. I could feel them like they were right next to me.

And Link had been there...I wonder if he was having the same dream as I was?...I sighed and took a gulp of potion.

"What'cha doin'?"

I jumped and nearly dropped the bottle. Midna giggled from behind me and peered over my shoulder.

"What do you want?" I said, downing the rest of the potion and moving to the sink to rinse out the bottle.

"Just wanna know what the potion is for."

"I hurt myself."

She grinned. "Really, now? So you are as clumsy as I thought."

No, not clumsy, Midna. Just unable to beat back a man twice my size and who is way more powerful than I'll ever be. In my dreams, that is. I'm still not convinced that was real. It couldn't be.

...Right?

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." I mumbled, walking back towards the lobby. Midna's mischivous eyes narrowed when I ignored her. She floated over in front of me, blocking my way. I sighed tiredly and rubbed at my temples, a headache coming on. "What is it now?"

"Let's take a walk." She said, folding her tiny arms and glaring at me suspiciously.

"I'm not in the mood for a walk."

"If you don't, you're not coming with us."

I looked up to meet her gaze and everything in me told me that she would find a way to leave me behind. This is Midna, remember? She's the one who helped Link get into Princess Zelda's room without being caught. She's sneaky.

I sighed and turned around, heading for the back door instead. Might as well find out what she has to say. Even if I'm really not in the mood for her.

But then again, will I ever be?

...Probably not.


It didn't take long to reach a quiet place where we wouldn't be seen. Midna, of course, hid in my shadow the entire time. The place she wanted to go? The graveyard.

Now I stood, freezing in only a nightgown, waiting to see what she'd dragged me here for.

"Are you gonna say something, pixie? Or can I go back?" I asked, shivering. It's bad enough that she's dragged me out here in the middle of the night in the cold, but now she's just floating there.

"Clumsy." She said, with her back turned towards me still.

"The name is Amanda, you stupid pixie!" I felt my anger bubble up inside of me, out of nowhere, like a ball. One that I could grab a hold of and use to my advantage. If only I knew how...

I shook my head. Where'd that thought come from? Probably just all that anxiety from my very realistic dream.

"You're brave enough to insult me." Midna mused, floating up into the night air. "I think I like you, clumsy." A ball of energy formed in her hand. "Let's play a little game, shall we?"

A ring of blue flames surrounded us in a circle, closing any escape I had. Not that it mattered. I'd beat her at her game, whatever it may be. With my halberd, I couldn't lose. I wouldn't lost. Not twice in one night. But I didn't have it, did I? Yes. No. I held out my hand for it and it appeared in a flash of light. Now I did.

"Hmm...Interesting weapon you have there." The twilight shadow giggled. "But it's still not enough to best me!" She twirled and sent the ball flying at me.

I braced myself and ran at Midna, slicing the ball of energy in half and swinging the end blade at her. She disappeared in an instant and reappeared behind me.

"This is fun!" She used another blast of power to send me skidding back. Just as I was able to get to my feet, she sent another, stronger attack flying at me. I used the halberd to stop it, and it vanished after a few seconds.

This was becoming impossible. The stupid pixie was just toying with me now. I would not lose to her! I regained by balance and went straight for her, ducking as she shot two more attacks towards me. I swung back and hurled the halberd, striking her and sending her flying.

I stood over her, weapon raised. The fear in her eyes now made me realize that I had won. "I'm not so clumsy, now, am I?" I began to swing it downwards. Wait! What am I doing? I won already. Stop! I fought the overwhelming urge to finish it and dropped to my knees. Tears threatened to come as the adrenaline faded and the pain started to come.

I felt something tug my hair and drag me back. "Oww!" I yelled looking up and finding Midna with fists full of my hair. "What was that for?"

"Stop crying, clumsy." Midna said, letting go of me.

I caught myself as she dropped me. "I am not crying!" I snapped.

"I was only testing you to see if you weren't the wimp I saw earlier. You passed." She floated on her back now, eyes closed, as if in water. "Barely."

Standing up, I reached for my halberd. "Barely? I could've killed you!" I dusted off the dirt from my clothes and offered her a weak smile. "Sorry about that by the way. I don't know what came over me."

"I do."

"Really..."

"It's that weapon of yours."

"My halberd?" It glistened in the moonlight, and I could clearly see the carvings on it. "It's just a rusty old thing. How could it do anything?"

Midna floated over to the tombstones and sat, perched on it as she continued. "I'll agree with you that it looks like a big peace of scrap metal. But it's a unique piece of scrap metal. There's a power in it that I can sense, and if you don't learn how to control it, then you'll end up really hurting someone."

"M-me?" I squeaked. "I have power?"

"Not you. You have no abilities whatsoever. I meant the halberd you call yours is infused with an ancient magic."

I stood there stunned, and with a million more questions. How ancient is it? Who created it? And how the hell am I supposed to use it without chopping someone into little bits? Hmm...I wonder if I called her "Teacher Midna", she'd answer my questions...

Nah. Better not start anything tonight. Maybe tomorrow, though.

"Hmm...well. I'm going back. Are you coming, pixie?" I asked.

"Sure, clumsy."

I walked carefully down the dirt hill. "Can I ask you something, though?"

"No."

"Did you really drag me out here to test my skills?"

I glimpsed a knowing look in her eye before she turned to me with a toothy grin. "Sure. If I'd tested you during the day, hero boy might have protested. Now I know you're good enough to be a servant for me."

I nodded. "Oka—wait, what! I'm in no way going to serve you!"

She ignored me and continued. "Not that I care either way, though! Eee hee hee! I'm sure I would've found something for you to do!"

"Grr! Why you—!"

'Ah ah ah..." Midna scolded. "It's master now." She patted my head when we reached the steps of the inn. "Well, get a good night's sleep. You'll need your strength tomorrow! Well, what little you have!"

I stood there, fists clenched as she floated back upstairs and into the room. I kicked the nearest object and folded my arms. I. Hated. Her. It certainly was strange, though. The way she was acting. Like she knew something I didn't, or knew something I wasn't going to tell her.

..She knew. That stupid pixie knew something was out of place. Did she have a grip on what was going on, too? Midna certainly seemed to know more than she let on. Of course, so did I, but that's not the point. I'm trying to survive here, without sending this whole place into chaos.

There is something Midna had done for me, she'd made me forget all about my dream. Maybe she is good for something.

Just maybe.

Nah.


"Amanda." Maya shook my shoulders gently. "Mom wants us to help with breakfast."

The sun was shining too brightly into the room from the doorway. I reached down, eyes still closed, and pulled the covers over my head. "Mmph." I finally replied. (Translation: "It's too early in the morning.")

"It's almost eleven! How are you still tired?"

"Afghble." ("Because I am, that's why.")

I heard her sigh. "Mom's not gonna like this, you know..."

"She fif o nmp mff fa miff." ("She can go jump off a cliff.")

"Huh?"

"She fif o nmp mff a miff!"

I heard a foot tapping angrily on the other side of my bed. "I can go jump off a cliff, huh?"

"Not you, Maya." I sighed, frusturated, as I lifted my head. "Your mo-" Speaking of which, she was standing on the side of the bed I'd spoken to. Jillian didn't look happy, either. I wonder if I'd begged, she'd let me live? "Eheh..Y-you two sound alike. I didn't mean it...S-sorry, Jillian."

"You have twenty minutes to get dressed and be in that kitchen. I suggest you get moving now."

I slinked out from under the covers and grabbed a robe to put over my nightgown. If I was fast enough, I could get a quick dip in the hot springs before I needed to get back to the kitchen. Clothes, clothes...where'd I put my clothes last night? I just grabbed my whole bag and was out the door.

If you're wondering, yes, I'm scared of Jillian. I think everyone is scared of Jillian.

Flinging open the inn's front doors, I nearly ran headfirst into Link and Hane. Correction. I bowled through them and hit the railing.

"Whoa, whoa, where are you going in such a hurry?" Link helped me straighten myself. He frowned as he glanced over me once. "Are you all right? You look a little..."

Am I that easy to read? Crap. "Uh...Can't talk! Gotta be in the kitchen in twenty!" I turned and continued my dash for the hot springs, leaping down the steps, my heart pounding in my chest as I ran. That was close. I need to be more careful from now on about hiding things.

Anyway!

It didn't take me long to find the hill that lead up to the small spring, though I was extra careful when I jumped from roof to roof. Another minute later and I dove into the warm, steaming water with a happy sigh. It melted all my worries away. Why is it that I've never been to a hot spring? Note to self: Find the nearest hot spring when I get home. If I get home.

At this point, nothing is a sure thing anymore.