AN: It's finally here! It took two months, but it's here! I'm so sorry for the long wait. Thank you so very much to everyone who favourited/followed my story, it means so much!
As per usual: big thanks to SakuraDreamerz, InsaniumArtisan, Ledd, SweetestChick, WolfenAmphithere, kingdommast - I suddenly realised the other day that I misunderstood your review, so now all the 'spans' have become 'spuns'! - princessanime29, FwooshEye, Iloveyourstory and silverheartlugia2000 for your reviews! They really make me smile and they make for pretty good motivation too, as well as giving me some lovely food for thought!
And so, without further ado, chapter 11 (finally into double digits!)!
Eleven:
They were fighting again. They were trading blows all over again but this time there was something different. I wasn't sure what it was, perhaps a kind of tangible weight to the air, but I didn't like it. It wasn't just the mood that had changed, however. No, the fighters were different too. This time around Red had abandoned all pretence of chivalry and I winced as Dark, again, dodged a swing from the sword by little more than a hair's breadth. However it wasn't just Red. Dark was a little different too. It was like looking at a familiar stranger. I recognised the hard glint in his bloody eyes, the slight smirk that tugged at the corners of his mouth even as he escaped death by mere millimetres. He was the same as he had been when I had first met him. Cold, cruel and uncaring. Soulless, in a way.
When the first punches had been thrown I had retreated a little way down the hallway, in a way trying to hide myself in its shadows to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. They had ignored my pleads to be reasonable, and the identical gleam I had seen in their red eyes had quickly told me trying was futile. So I had stepped back, decided to let them fight it out. Either way I would be a step closer to reassembling my country's hero, wouldn't I? But all the same there was something painful about watching them battle. It didn't seem right, to let two parts of the same being attack each other with such fearsome strength and obvious bloodlust. Their feelings for each other were quite clear and I knew there was no stopping it, but it just didn't sit right.
I flinched again as steel met flesh and I heard a soft hiss before Dark had whirled gracefully away, ducking under another swing.
"Say," I jumped as a cold voice spoke in my ears before wincing as cold fingers tugged my braid harder than necessary. "What are you doing all the way over here?" In the heat of the battle I had all but forgotten about Dark's 'ability'. At the sound of his voice Red turned, sword raised, but upon finding me between him and his prey halted. I was, for want of a better word, Dark's shield.
"Trying not to interrupt." I said, feeling his grip tighten through the many strands of hair he had clenched in a fist. "You're obviously not going to stop so I'm not trying to stop you. By all means, please continue." Waving a hand at Red I resisted the urge to grimace as the prickling pain in my scalp intensified. I felt a few taut strings snap.
"My, aren't you cheery today princess?" I could hear his sneer. "Whatever could the matter be?"
"Oh, I wonder." I muttered and he leaned towards me while yanking my head back a little. His grey face appeared in my peripheral vision, red eyes bright and cold.
"Let her go," Red commanded from where he stood, but now that Dark had taken me 'hostage' we all knew there was nothing he could do, unless he was willing to go through me to get to Dark. Goosebumps rose along my arms as I realised that Red was probably someone who would do just that, if provoked enough.
"Quiet, Flamey." Dark snapped, "I wasn't talking to you." It bothered me more than I dared admit to see Dark in such a regressed state. He was completely unpredictable without the 'softer' feelings that he had taken on mellowing him. The Goddesses were cruel to bring him back in such a state, but he seemed to be enjoying it far too much. There was a growl from Red before, with a soft swoosh, the tip of his blade was flashing past my ear. Stiffening I watched it go, feeling Dark shift behind me to avoid it. Red pulled back, now standing mere inches away. I was sandwiched between the two pieces of Link's soul that I would never want to get caught between and still couldn't move because Dark still hadn't let go of my hair. They stared at each other for a long moment before Red stepped back, flicking the sword angrily. The hairs on the back of my neck rose as I felt, rather than saw, Dark's grin.
Feeling my heart quicken as his heavy aura washed over me I reached up a hand to grip the base of my plait, which lessened the pain considerably. I tugged gently, unwilling to do it more damage, but Dark was unrelenting.
"Would you let go?!" I exclaimed, my façade cracking as I felt myself reaching the end of my tether.
"Was that… an order?" Dark said, yanking my head back.
"No. It was a friendly request." I allowed the sarcasm to drip from my words, spoken through teeth gritted from pain, fed up with his aversion to doing as he was asked. "Let go, or I swear to the Goddesses I'll stab you." As I spoke I slid my free hand to my sword where it hung from my hip, clenching the familiar handle tightly. Apparently sensing that the threat was very real Dark chuckled and let go. I immediately stepped smartly away from him, decidedly angry. Spinning I drew my blade and thrust it towards Dark.
"Here. Let's make this fair." Not that they cared for it, I was sure. "Go ahead, fight. When one of you is dead we can go back to reassembling you. I bet he beats you again." I gestured with my chin to Red and saw him grin while Dark's eyes narrowed dangerously. I scowled right back, stepping forward and jabbing my sword towards him again. Eyes still focused on me he took it, swishing it through the air as I clearly saw his thoughts playing across his face.
"Try it and you'll never put yourself back together again." I said, as serenely as I could in my angered state. I saw his jaw clench and smiled a little. I had forgotten how much fun it was to annoy Dark when he could do nothing about it. There would probably be repercussions, but at that moment I didn't really care. In the heat and confusion of the Fire Temple I had let go of my princess act to embrace the true feelings I so often had to hide. It felt good, but at the same time I felt a little vulnerable without my authoritative mask in place.
My musings were distracted as Dark, with an audible huff, turned to face Red again. Once more I skittered out of the way, blending into the gloom, and once again the two began to fight. Their dance was more deadly this time around, the air filled with the ring of steel on steel and the occasional flicker of bright metal. I hoped, despite my irritation, that Dark was handling my sword okay because it was considerably thinner than his own, and a little longer. He seemed to be doing just fine, however, and the weapon moved fluidly as if it were merely an extension of his dextrous grey hand.
In a fit of rage I had encouraged them to fight, yet every time their swords clashed I winced and every time metal met flesh I considered trying, again, to stop them.
It felt like I had lost track of time when the deadly dance suddenly faltered and the two soul pieces broke away from each other, each out of breath and looking considerably worse for wear. Red was stood before me, Dark opposite him and nearer the ladder. I couldn't tell who was winning as blood oozed from numerous cuts in the bodies of both, but they were both still standing with looks of grim determination on their faces.
From their expressions I assumed they were going to continue their mindless, pointless duel so I was barely able to hide my shock as, with a heavy sigh, Red sheathed his sword.
"This is stupid." He said, the reluctance plain in his tone. "We shouldn't be fighting – we should be putting ourselves back together again. You can feel it too, right? Time's running out." Unable to believe my ears I simply stared.
"How boring." Dark deadpanned, lowering my sword so that its tip scratched the floor. "Since when were you the reasonable one?" That irked me somewhat – hadn't he always been saying the exact same to me when I 'wasted' even seconds?
"Shut up." Red snapped before taking a deep breath and pinching the bridge of his nose. "We have to hurry up. Fighting gets us nowhere, and as much as I'd like to beat you all over again…" Red held out a hand, "there's no time." Surprise flitted across Dark's face, followed closely by irritation and then disappointment.
"You know, I really thought you'd be more interesting Flamey." Dark peered at his red counterpart for a moment and shook his head.
"Would you stop insulting me and actually be helpful?" Red growled, shoulders going tense. "I can kill you if you really want." Dark shrugged, humming lightly, before he batted the hand away and shouldered roughly past the other, walking with tense steps up to me. I was tempted to back up but I held my ground, meeting his eyes steadily but somewhat unwillingly. He was angry, I could see it in those red irises, but he was reining it in. Apparently he could see the truth in Red's words because he was actually complying.
The situation was quickly becoming more and more unbelievable.
"Here." Dark said brusquely, forcing my sword back into my hands. I half-expected him to hand it to me blade-first but, luckily, it was the handle he offered. Eyeing him somewhat suspiciously I slowly took the sword and he threw me a sneer before turning back to Red. As he walked back towards his counterpart I sheathed my blade, resting a hand lightly on the pommel as I waited, half-heartedly trying to reassure myself.
There was a long silence in which Red and Dark stared at each other, both apparently warring with the desire to fight, before there was a slight movement and they took each other's hands. Just like with Dark and his lilac counterpart there was a brief, tense pause. Then there came a surge of energy that forced me back a step and the chamber filled with a bright, fiery red light. It flickered for a moment and then shifted suddenly to a brilliant white. A second later it had shifted back, alternating between bright and dim and, with an irregular rhythm, switching from white to red to white again. I had to shield my eyes from the onslaught of light, peering through my fingers to try and determine the outcome of their latest match. I was just about able to make out their silhouettes, flickering and shifting in the shadows cast by the glaring light, but I could make little sense of what I saw.
By the time the light finally died I had lost track of time and every time I blinked white and red spots danced across my vision, disorientating me. Blinking them away stubbornly I focused my bleary gaze forward.
"Ugh. By the Goddesses…!" Despite myself I heaved a silent sigh of relief when I heard the familiar voice and saw the familiar, black-clad figure. Leaning on his knees he took a few deep breaths before turning to me.
"You look worried, princess." Dark said around pants, hitching his mouth into his familiar, cocky grin. Rolling my eyes I held out the cloak I still had gathered in my arms.
"Be quiet." I said, though I couldn't help a small smile. "Here," I shook the cloak slightly, "Take this back. It's getting quite heavy." Dark reached for the armful of black fabric and took it from me swiftly, although I didn't miss the way he winced as he moved. He must have noticed that I noticed because in a short movement he had donned the cloak and turned away from me, heading with quick steps to the ladder.
"Are you sure you don't want to rest for a minute?" I trailed after him a little reluctantly, already knowing what his response would be.
"No." He said without turning. "We've wasted enough time already." Stifling a scoff I resisted the urge to remind him who exactly had wasted so much time fighting. I felt like I should maybe give him a break – after all he had technically been dead less than an hour ago. Watching him carefully I decided not to force him, and a moment later he had vanished from the foot of the ladder. I sighed as I realised I would now have to climb the ladder I had spent so much time getting down.
It was as we passed through the gate to Kakariko Village that Dark collapsed. I had seen it coming – he had been growing steadily slower since we had left the Fire Temple – and therefore was only a little surprised when it actually occurred. The guard, thankfully not the one I had bribed, started forward when the heavy thud alerted him. Kneeling beside Dark I attempted to rouse him, but only succeeded in eliciting a small groan from him.
"Is he alright?" the guard asked in a voice that suggested that he really didn't care and I stared into the dark holes in his visor for a long moment. He didn't seem to recognise me, hidden behind my scarf as I was, and merely returned my gaze suspiciously.
"Just worn out, I think." I said slowly, glancing about as I tried to decide what to do. The guard looked skyward, eyes focusing briefly in the direction of the volcano.
"Too much heat?" he guessed and I smiled slightly.
"Something like that." I said, once more attempting to wake Dark. He stirred after a moment, turning his head just enough to show a glimmer of red irises from beneath his heavy hood.
"What?" he mumbled and I rolled my eyes.
"You didn't listen to me." I said. "I told you we should rest and now look at you."
"What are you talking about?" Dark scoffed slightly. "I'm perfectly fine." I resisted the urge to make a derisive noise, watching silently and without helping as he staggered upright. It was only when he swayed, threatening to fall again, that I stood and lent him a shoulder. I saw thoughts of protest cross his mind before he decided against it and allowed me to help. It was progress, to the say the least.
"Is there anywhere he can rest?" I turned to the guard who had watched our exchange in silence and he seemed to think about it for a moment. He then pointed us in the general direction of the Inn and returned to his post, but I could feel his helmeted gaze on my back all the way down the street.
Dark, upon catching wind of my plan, began protesting loudly and even resorted to threats when I simply ignored him. I continued my disregard of him all the way to the inn, and then all the way to the room I rented afterwards. Once I had settled him on one of the beds I broke my silence, ordering him to rest in my best princess tone and, amazingly, he complied. It took mere minutes for him to fall asleep and I wondered if that was a testament to his trust in me or simply his exhaustion from all his recent capers. I watched him for a long moment before turning away with the intention of tidying myself up as much as I could.
There was a bowl of water in the room which I used to wash my hands and face and hair, and I marvelled at how much soot and dust seemed to have clung to my skin and hair in our brief escapade in the temple. Once I was satisfied I fished out a brush from my now nicely ordered, if somewhat squashed, bag and set about brushing my hair. It took several minutes to rid it of all the snarls and knots that had accumulated in it, but I fancied I had never felt anything quite as satisfying as running my fingers through my now clean and brushed hair when it was done. Suitably clean and tidy I left my hair untied and crossed to the second, unoccupied bed. Sinking onto it heavily I heard planks creak softly under my weight and pulled a face.
Reaching down I gently pulled off my borrowed boots, setting them to one side as I inspected my previously burnt foot. The skin was still a little pink and a little heat still radiated from it but overall the fairy had done excellent work and as I wriggled my toes gratefully I wondered how I could ever repay it and its kin. In that moment I also decided I would never visit the Fire Temple again. Ever. Not unless it was absolutely necessary.
Sinking down onto my side I stared at Dark for a moment before rolling onto my back, suddenly exhausted. My eyelids grew heavy as I stared at the beams supporting the ceiling and I succumbed readily to sleep as I pondered what melding with Red would do to Dark.
I awoke with a start to find the rented room ablaze with the pink-orange light of sunset. Groggy I sat up, rubbing sleep gently from my eyes and wondering how long it had been since I had fallen asleep. Considering that night was only just falling it could not have been long and yet it felt like I had slept for an age. I could not recall what had woken me, my dreams having slipped away silently and immediately, and as I pondered it a soft murmur caught my attention. Turning I saw Dark stirring and for a moment I thought he was going to wake before he shifted fretfully, forming incoherent words as he dreamed. Though his words were quiet and sleepy I could distinctly hear something like panic in them and I swung my legs off the bed.
"No… shut up…." Dark shifted again and I saw his brow furrow as his fists clenched.
"Dark?" I said his name softly, hoping to rouse him gently, but he didn't respond and I stood slowly, moving to his bedside. Hovering awkwardly I considered my options. He seemed to be having a nightmare and while waking him was certainly an option I expected him to have some kind of defensive mechanism that would prevent him from harm while causing me harm. When he moaned softly, rolling haphazardly as if to shake off an attacker, I threw caution to the wind and touched his shoulder. I got a shake in before his on hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. Something clicked and I almost gasped in pain, immediately trying to tug my hand away.
"I knew this was going to happen…!" I hissed to myself, twisting my hand in an attempt to free myself. I felt the friction burn my skin a little and Dark's fingers tightened. A slight sense of déjà vu fell over me as I gripped his arm with my free arm and pulled, dragging him a little closer to the edge of the bed in my bid for freedom.
"Goddesses!" I exclaimed, raising my voice. "Dark - Dark!" Red eyes snapped open and Dark blinked once before shooting upright. We stared at one another for a long moment before he slowly opened his hand to let me go. I immediately tugged my hand back and shot him a frown. He frowned right back.
"You should've known better, princess." He said, tutting softly.
"I was trying to be helpful." I said, agreeing with him whole-heartedly. "It went awry as per usual." Rubbing my wrist gently I thought I saw something like remorse flash into his cold eyes as he followed the movement but it was gone too quickly to be sure.
"Bad dream?" I inquired as I sank back onto my bed, thoughtlessly smoothing the rumpled sheets with my hands. Dark shrugged a shoulder, eyes flickering restlessly about the room as he absently smoothed his shirt with his hand, digging the heel of his palm into his chest just a little. I followed the movement inconspicuously, wondering how long he would need to recuperate this time. His grey face was a few shades paler than usual and I could see him swaying just a little where he sat.
"How are you this…" I glanced towards the semi-curtained window. "…Evening?" Dark mirrored my glance and shrugged again, his eyes glowing with a reflected fiery light. At least I assumed it was reflected. For all I knew Red could still be battling for dominance inside his head or tattered soul or wherever.
"Hungry." He said after a moment and I tried not to roll my eyes.
"I'm sure they serve food here." I said, crossing to my bag and digging around for some money. Dark hesitated obviously and I sighed. "What is it?"
"Nothing." He said, casting what he seemed to think was an inconspicuous glance towards the hands resting in his lap. Was Dark… feeling self-conscious? The idea was strangely endearing and I couldn't help smiling.
"Alright. I'll go and find something. Stay here and rest some more." I slipped a few rupees into my dusty pocket and headed for the door. Even as I did, however, I heard a sharp exhale and a soft thump. Turning I found Dark sprawled once more on his back, white hair framing his slack face like a mane. Instead of being worried I simply found myself glad that he was actually resting without a fight for once, and quietly slipped out of the room. I assumed Dark would, even in his unconscious state, guard the room and left without a sense of worry. Adopting a steady, gentle pace I left the inn and began a search for food, quickening my pace when I realised that all of the shops would be closing for the night soon.
When I returned to the inn and slipped quietly into our rented room I found Dark still asleep, undisturbed and thankfully more peaceful than before. I had managed to find some food, namely bread and fruit, before the village effectively closed and I set half of it on the table beside Dark's bed before settling onto my own allocated mattress. Nibbling at my bread I closed my eyes, breathing in the floury smell and letting myself finally relax. It was at that exact moment that I sensed a dark presence nearby and I shot to my feet, whirling. The bread tumbled from my fingers. A familiar, deep growl of a laugh sounded as I registered the figure stood beside the window. The last dying rays of sunlight caught his coppery hair and made yellow eyes burn with a sinister light. How had he known where to find us? Had that guard sold me out?!
"Ganondorf…!" I all but gasped, casting my eyes about for my bow. It was stood against the opposite wall and even as I caught sight of it Ganondorf's tall, bulky form moved in between it and me.
"Greetings, Princess Zelda." He said voice pleasant. It sent shivers down my spine and I curled my hands into fists to prevent them from shaking. "Don't bother trying to attack me. This is simply a puppet, bound to do my will." He gestured to himself and I held back a scowl as I wondered how much dark magic this 'puppet' had taken to make. Ganondorf laughed at my expression.
"What are you doing here, then?" I said, letting a little ice creep into my voice.
"Why, just checking up on this so-called bane of mine." Ganondorf's eyes fell onto Dark, still passed out behind me. I followed his gaze, feeling a flicker of annoyance towards the sleeping figure for leaving me to deal with this… problem by myself.
"Tell me, how is the reassembly going?" there was quite clearly amusement in his tone and I turned to face him again, trying my best not to flinch away from his burning, icy gaze.
"Worried, are you?" I said coolly, folding my arms protectively across my chest. The Ganondorf 'puppet' waved a hand dismissively.
"Not at all. Look at how far along he is – I'd say you're almost out of time." It irritated me that he could be so calm while I was so flustered with my heart pounding and hands threatening to shake. Whether it was from rage or fear I didn't know.
"He's stronger than you think." I felt the need to defend my country's Hero. "We will most definitely stop whatever evil you're plotting." With another deep, rumbling laugh the dark puppet approached me and I stepped back before I could help myself.
"We'll see, Zelda." He leaned towards me a little. "We'll see." And then he was gone, leaving me alone with an increasingly pressing dilemma. Had he just openly admitted to plotting evil? To harming the Hero Link so greatly? I was sure he had, but the question was why exactly he had done it. Did he believe that I posed no threat, for no one would believe the word of a young princess over a highly ranked, greatly admired lord? Or was he advancing his plans already, and therefore had no fear that Dark and I would stop them in time? Either way, it was a dilemma. A serious one.
Turning I surveyed my country's broken Hero, and though he didn't wake he stirred just a little as if sensing my worried, contemplative gaze.
Aha, so late! I hope you enjoyed chapter eleven of Split - if you did (or didn't, but I'd prefer the former!) please review etc. 'cause it really helps me keep writing! Thanks for reading!
