Chapter Eleven

Concilio et Labore
"By Wisdom and Effort"

"Before I begin, would you kindly explain how the two of you managed to arrive in Hyrule with the Mirror gone?" the Hylian ruler asked, initial surprise from their arrival now having waned as she looked between the wolf and Twili. The others exchanged a glance. Link flicked his ear, letting Midna know that it would be best if he were to explain since he had been the one to come to the conclusion regarding their travel.

The Twilight Princess turned to the Hero in the form of a beast, setting her hand on his forehead and drawing the Shadow Crystal from it as she spoke. "You're probably wondering why Link's a wolf considering this form of his is no longer necessary without the Twilight over your kingdom," she addressed the other Princess. "To sum it up, it's a mediate between Link's Hylian and Sheikah blood, easing his pain and progression as his body fights with that of the prolonged exposure to the magic of the Twilight Realm. I'm not sure if he's still getting worse even away from the Twilight, so this is a safeguard. In addition to that, Link says this form of his is more comforting as of now. Anyway, you know from the legends of your Royal Family that the Sheikah who became the Interlopers were banished to the other realm. What you may not have known is that in time, they turned into my people. I assume you could have inferred this though."

It was true, Zelda had. Her wisdom enabled her to come to the conclusion when the ailing Princess of Twilight first mentioned the Mirror connecting their realms. The reason she at first didn't know Midna was a descendant of the banished Sheikah was because of her cursed appearance. The Hylian ruler heard from legends of her people that the Sheikah tribe had very similar characteristics to that of the Hylians; the most prominent difference being that of their red eyes. Upon seeing the true form of the Twilight Princess, Zelda's suspicions about her history and its role in Hyrule's past were concretely confirmed. By then though, when she and Link had left, it had been too late. But now…

The Shadow Crystal came free from the form of the Hero. Link pushed himself up on the bed, swinging his legs over, yet he didn't stand. He was still much too weak from the rapid progression of his condition and even talking was a minor trial. Only after he collapsed earlier did he realize how much of a toll crossing kingdoms had proven to be on him.

"With all four shards of the Fused Shadows, they had the power to create a temporary portal… the rest is pretty confusing, but I hope you get the idea…" he drifted, not having the energy to explain in more depth. After the travel, residing in his true form drained him of stamina more so than the Hero had expected.

The Hylian ruler was surprised that she herself hadn't come to the conclusion sooner. The Princess vividly remembered Midna sorrowfully gathering her ancestor's magic. Maybe the reason Zelda hadn't worried about the other realm was because of everything that had been on her mind. After all, fixing up the throne room and any other parts of her castle and kingdom which had been wreaked from Ganondorf's battle had proved to be troublesome and exhausting. Though in a matter of months, everything was seemingly back to normal thanks to her tireless efforts, but that wouldn't last forever and she knew it, troubles emerging once more, just when she believed they would finally be put to rest, at least for a time.

"I see. Now I suppose it is my turn," Zelda spoke, drawing her gaze from Link to the Twili. "Again, I apologize for confusing you earlier in the throne room. Your unexpected appearance came as quite a shock, but I quickly deduced the reasoning. Link," the Hylian said, snapping her head back towards the Hero. "You must once more journey to the Sacred Grove."

"What?" he asked, confused by the sudden statement that seemed to come out of nowhere. Midna glanced between the two and Zelda continued.

"You are ailing from your blood in turmoil over your identity as a Sheikah and Hylian, are you not?"

Link nodded in reply.

"Your condition, it is connected with your past. Could you elaborate on that?"

The Hero took a deep breath before beginning. After Zelda's words he felt the slightest bit more awake, wishing to know how she had come to her conclusion.

"I'm Hylian and Sheikah, as you know. My father served your court as the messenger between the two races, fell in love with a woman of the Shadow Folk, and eloped. They had me, she died and my father and I went to Ordon. He passed on when I was seven, I grew up as an Ordonian and then the Twilight came. I only learned of my ancestry in the Twilight Realm after reading a letter my father left me," he summarized, letting out a sigh and closing his eyes.

"As I suspected then," Zelda said, realizing she was still being cryptic with her vague wording. "The letter, it caused you to become uneasy over something left unaccomplished, did it not?" The Princess didn't wait for an answer. Link opened his eyes but refrained from speaking, so Zelda continued. "Your own regrets are part of what drove your illness to set in. Your body isn't simply fighting the effects of the Twilight Realm. It is trying to figure out what your soul wants in this era: to live your life as a Hylian, the Hero you have been thought to be just like the ones who chased the Interlopers across Hyrule, imprisoning them in another world and living in peace in their own realm; or a Sheikah, those that served and regretted the actions of the ones that betrayed their masters, but ultimately faded to shadows or became the gentle people you have come to know and love," Zelda spoke wisely, explaining what even Link hadn't known of his own struggles.

Midna didn't realize that the effects of the Twilight Realm, in addition to the sorrow and fear over not knowing if or when he'd fulfill his parent's unspoken wish, is what in part caused Link's physical pain. She knew he had a feeling of regret from unfinished business in the world of Light, but thought that it was something the Hero may come to accept in time, not having any lasting physical effects on him. At the time she believed that he would let go of the past, as she didn't know of a way back to the Light world to fulfill his final duty, but Link had known, and he seemed to still cling to the possibility he could somehow right the wrong from ages past. Now the Twili was glad they came to Hyrule. Even if they did find a way in her realm to stop the progression and return him to normal, Link would still have an internal conflict that followed him like a living shadow for the rest of his life, stabbing him in the back at any thoughts regarding what he was, slowly eating away at his body and mind.

"Do you understand now?" Zelda continued. Link was staring at her in awe. From her explanation he understood that she truly did deserve the blessing of Wisdom Midna had spoken of. "The reason we must head for the Sacred Grove is the Blade of Evil's Bane. The Master Sword is a mythical weapon. The Hero forged it long ago, pure of heart, with aid and direction of the servant of the Goddess Hylia and her Guide, one said to be of the Sheikah tribe. At least that is one legend. Another tells the Sages of old themselves created the fabled weapon for the Hero to use when darkness falls. Either way, it has more than the power to repel evil. It can cleanse the soul from all ailments."

"But if the Hero of old was pure of heart, and Link is…" Midna didn't finish the thought, looking from Zelda to the Hero of their era. "Either way, how was it that the sword accepted him as its master? I understand it repelling the dark magic and expelling the Shadow Crystal from him, but the weapon letting him wield it…"

"Link's Sheikah blood was repressed, growing up with citizens of Hyrule and believing he was one of their kind is why he could wield the weapon, in addition to his soul being that of the Hero from long past. It saw his purity and drive to do whatever it takes to right a wrong, not his history or connection to events in which he had no part," Zelda explained. The three were silent for a short time.

"To the Sacred Grove it is… I guess. Luckily there's a portal there," Link said quietly, leaning on a pillow propped against the head of the bed. He'd moved to a more comfortable position during Midna and Zelda's discussion. The Hylian's gaze fell with the words she proceeded to speak.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but once the two of you left and the Mirror was shattered, the Twilight Portals disappeared as they had no way to draw power from the Usurper King or the Twilight Realm," the Light Princess spoke somberly.

"Tch! Damn it all. And just when we thought all our troubles would finally be over," Midna said exasperated, throwing up her hands and flopping onto the edge of the bed, sitting next to Link who was now struggling to stay awake through the conversation, exhaustion plaguing him. He snapped to attention at Midna's sudden movements.

"Yes, you can no longer warp, but if you use the Fused Shadows just as you had done during the battle with Ganondorf to send Link and I from Hyrule Castle…"

"No, they don't have enough power after their use in getting us here. I was able to warp us back to the castle when the battle was over by using the remaining fragments of their magic and a bit of my own. Besides, it's too risky anyway. I fear that any more use of Twili magic may speed up the process. For now keeping Link in wolf form is helping slow it down, thanks to Zant's magic being blended with that of the Gerudo's, but warping may nullify that. He's already dealt with enough of the Fused Shadows, right?" Midna asked, turning to the Hero. She still didn't know how they were to address returning to her realm once all this was over, now that their temporary portal was gone. That wasn't important now though. They had to make sure Link was back to normal first.

"Yeah…" he drifted, remembering the monstrosity of Midna's possessed form and the overwhelming dark power that radiated from it. The Hero looked to the skin of his forearms, lines almost seeming to pulsate like veins. He was just seeing things from exhaustion. At least that's what he told himself, as the others didn't seem to take any notice. His gaze went up to the two royals, altered eyes glancing between the solid colors of blue from Zelda's, and the red of Midna's. His own a twisted mix of both.

"So it's by foot? We have to go all the way to Faron Province? Could we take Epona?" Link asked, just now remembering his trustee steed, one of the many things he'd abandoned from his abrupt departure to the other world a year past.

"Not entirely, as the Resistance can provide help. I know that Telma still has a wagon. I am not sure of the whereabouts of the other members, but she should be knowledgeable regarding their current locations."

"Zelda, even though Hyrule is back at peace, I still think it's not the best idea to travel without some sort of protection. Link is in no condition to fight if necessary," Midna interjected. She had fully calmed down after her outburst a short while ago, relieved that they weren't completely out of options but still stressed. She couldn't bear to see Link suffer like this for much longer and was afraid she would reach the end of her rope soon, patience stretched thin as it was.

"I understand," the Hylian replied, recalling the news she had heard from the Eldin representative not long ago. "It is risky to bring soldiers along though," the Princess of Light spoke, searching for an alternate solution in her mind. Midna rolled her eyes, remembering how useless they were, especially so for escort duty. Zelda continued. "A young man by the name of Colin is currently in Castle Town. I do believe you know him? It is by luck or blessing of the Goddesses that his presence is so close. He can provide his services as bodyguard."

"Colin?" Link piped up. He wondered how much the kid had grown since he'd last seen him.

"Yes. He is the new messenger for Ordona Province. It seems my assumption that you are acquaintances is correct."

"Yeah, but he's just a kid…" Link drifted, gaze veering from that of Zelda's to look at his hands that rest in his lap. The Hero thought back on how shy he was, being bullied by the other children, but he should have realized that the experiences from when the Twilight covered Hyrule helped him grow. After all, he'd consoled the other children after their kidnapping, plus the boy risked his life to save Beth.

"We have talked far longer than I had intended," Zelda spoke, turning to the door and resting her hand on the knob. "I will leave you two. Please be well rested by morn, for we head to Telma's after preparation at the castle."

Link awoke first, shocked at the brightness of the light that streamed through the curtains and that of the strange surroundings it illuminated. He had almost forgotten they were in Hyrule once more. The beast opened his maw; jaw stretching wide as a quite whine escaped his canine body. He looked to Midna who had fallen asleep on top of the covers, too tired from last night's discussion and yesterday's events to properly prepare for bed. Luckily there wasn't much to be done considering the two of them brought the bare minimum necessities, the Princess having left her crown in the other world. Nevertheless, she barely had enough energy to summon the Shadow Crystal and turn him back into a wolf for the night. Link felt terrible for putting her through so much stress, even though he had no control over the events that led to the struggle.

The beast decided to leave her as she was, jumping off the padded surface and almost silently landing on the ground, the chinking of the chain around his ankle the only sound. The Hero-turned-wolf walked to the opening where fresh air streamed in, jumping up on the cushioned surface of the seat beneath the bay window. With his snout he pushed aside the curtain the slightest, peeking out over the land he had known most of his life.

The view overlooked Castle Town at a slight angle. Had it really been only a year? Much had changed in the marketplace below. Then again, he had changed quite a bit himself in the same amount of time. Now the square seemed even livelier than when he had last walked the familiar cobblestone streets. Side stalls filled the plaza, and it looked as if Malo Mart had expanded even further, taking over the previously empty building next to it.

Link's ear twisted around as he caught a sound from behind himself. He turned to see Midna walking over to him. A moment later she peeked out from behind the curtains just as he did.

"Wow, I'm surprised that kid's made it big," she said, referring to the larger Malo Mart. "I figured it was just a phase."

A second or so passed and Link's ear twitched once more. He hopped down from the bay window, walking to the center of the room. Midna followed him, curious as to the reason behind his sudden movements. Before she had a chance to ask, Zelda's familiar voice called from the other side of the door.

"Are you two respectable and prepared?"

"Yes, please enter," Midna spoke.

The brass knob of the door turned and Zelda stepped into the room a moment later, almost unrecognizable by her sudden change in appearance from last night's elegant garb.

"What…" Midna drifted, looking over her new attire. "Are you wearing?"

The Hylian princess looked anything but the part. She had discarded her royal robes and donned an entirely new outfit, one that was for the most part, skintight; her chest had been bound, hiding her femininity. Leather armor that had been dyed a deep blue covered her thighs and was held in place by white bandages. The same blue shoulder plating replaced the golden hued metal that had given off a regal air of authority and instead of her elegant crown; her head was wrapped in a turban, concealing the majority of her hair. Some of her bangs peeked out the front and the remainder of it hung down her back in a tight braid that was wrapped with a strip of fabric that matched the headgear. Zelda's calves and arms were also covered with leather armor, but instead of a deep blue, they were dark grey, almost black. A white wrap hid her mouth, just as the dark purple scarf had done upon her first meeting with the Hero in the guise of a beast. Lastly, the all-familiar eye shedding a single tear adorned her front. The red of it reminding Midna of Link's own irises the night he changed; the tear itself representing the sadness and blood spilled during the war from ages past.

Zelda pulled on one of the bandages that held the armor over her forearm, drawing it tight before tucking it in place. It had come loose in her quick preparations. As soon as she completed the action, she tugged the fabric away from her mouth, looking at the two before her who stared in both awe and confusion.

"It is a disguise, something that has been passed down the line of my Royal Family. Long ago it was said that one of my ancestors wore it and aided the Hero of old throughout his journey. Because I will be venturing forth with you, my standard attire would attract far too much attention and as I am aiding you, I must uphold tradition. It is said the one who was garbed in this manner went by the name of Sheik as a representative of her tribe, although she possessed no blood of the Sheikah and was instead a bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom, just as I."

"I see," Midna replied. Even in Hyrule the past of the Shadow Folk still played a significant but hidden role.

Over her other arm Zelda carried the same cloak that she was garbed in during the time the royal had been imprisoned in her own castle. The Hylian took it, shaking out the fabric and throwing it over her shoulders, concealing almost all of the new clothes. The Princess turned false guardian clasped the cloth closed at her neck, making sure it was kept in place before she spoke.

"Shall we go?"

A/N: Yes, I brought Sheik in. I just had to! I couldn't let that awesome Hyrule Historia concept art for TP Sheik go to waste. (Even if that design is used in SSB4…) I still do wonder how Twilight Princess would have been different if Sheik was in it. It really is amazing how many changes Zelda games (or any game for that matter) go through before they are released.