Dark stared up at the tree that stood in the middle of his domain. The tree had only three leaves left. Dark, for the first time in many years, became excited. Finally, his moment of glory, when he proved to the world that he should be noticed. Suddenly, Ganondorf burst into the room.
"Hello, my little pawn, how are we today?"
Dark walked towards Ganondorf, dropping to one knee and bowing his head.
"I bathe in your presence, My Lord."
Ganondorf chuckled. He walked around Dark, keeping his eyes on the shadow at all times.
"Dark, do you remember when you used to deny me? Threaten me and push me around when I bullied you? That was a pathetic attempt to deny your Lord!" Ganondorf, enveloped in his fury, grabbed the shadow by the collar and slapped him.
"You fool!" Ganondorf continued. "Denying the Dark Lord should have had you punished. But my curse shall hold you at bay. You will obey me. Always."
Dark staggered before regaining himself and standing straight. Something inside of him clicked, telling him to deny the Lord and become an individual again. But he cringed in pain as an evil pulse ran through his body, commanding him to bow down again.
"My Lord, I deeply apologise for those days. I was a wild and ruthless boy, and I was a fool to deny your almighty power. My loyalty now rests with you and I will obey you're every command." Dark apologised, bowing down.
Ganondorf laughed before patting the man on the head.
"Remember that, Dark. Remember that every time you attempt to deny me, you will not be capable of such an act. You are mine Dark. No one else's. No one else may command you otherwise, unless I give you permission to do so."
"My Lord, I would never dream of that." Dark replied.
"Yes, yes Dark. But a moment may come in your life when you may question your loyalty to me. And I simply wish to warn you."
Ganondorf laughed as Dark cocked his head in curiosity. The Gerudo clicked his fingers and a black tunic appeared. The Lord continued to summon clothing until what lay before Dark was basically battle armour. Chainmail, tights, gauntlets, a belt and a sword and shield. Ganondorf signalled to the shadow to dress in the clothes. After the changing was accomplished, Ganondorf chuckled, glancing at his warrior.
"You are ready." He exclaimed, circling the boy.
Dark continued to face forward, ignoring Ganondorf's tweaks and touches to the uniform. Dark flexed his arms, adjusting to the weight of the clothing. Especially the chainmail.
Ganondorf returned to the front of Dark. He clicked his fingers and a small platter of food appeared. There was dried meat and bread and a flask of water.
"Eat well. Your Day approaches, my warrior." The Lord chuckled as he watched Dark gaze hungrily at the food.
"Farewell, boy." Ganondorf warped himself from the room, leaving the food.
Dark gazed at the food then ate it enthusiastically, then stood up and faced the tree.
A leaf fell, leaving only two hanging on the branches.
Link sat on a chair at the ranch. Meeting Malon again had relieved his feelings. After returning to the Fire Temple, he had listened to Sheik's song, not a word otherwise. Sheik had attempted to stop him and apologise, but Link had violently swept his hand off of his own shoulder and continued walking. He had heard Sheik sigh, before entering the temple.
"Geezus, Link. You don't have to drink all of our milk. You'll put us out of business." Yelled Malon, wiping up a used mug.
"I am sorry, Malon, it's just I'm a bit upset at the moment. Meeting Sheik again…. Learning of…" Link cleared his throat, and set his glass down on the bar with a small "tak".
"Dark? I'm sure he's fine Link. I bet he's waiting for you." Malon said uncertainly, knowing that this probably was not the case.
"But Sheik said that he wasn't who he used to be. It will be weird talking to him once more after four years, especially since he told me….."
"What did he tell you Link?" Malon questioned.
"Oh it's nothing ." Link exclaimed, much to Malon's dismay.
"Link, if you want people help you have to tell them what's WRONG!" Malon yelled, before apologising after watching Link's shocked face.
Link reached into his pocket, retrieving a small piece of charred paper left on the podium outside the Fire Temple, presumably by Sheik.
The note said;
LINK,
I APOLOGISE ABOUT BEFORE. I WILL SUM THIS UP QUICKLY. THE NEXT PLACE YOU ARE REQUIRED IS THE WATER TEMPLE. MY KIND REGARDS TO BE MEETING YOU THERE.
SHEIK.
Link glanced up at Malon.
"Malon, do you know where the Water Temple is?"
" Oh yes, I used to fish near there. It's in Lake Hylia, just across Hyrule Field, near Zora's domain. Ruto went there, remember?" Malon replied.
Something tweaked inside Link's head, a slight bit of dejavu.
"Did we ever have a school excursion there or something?"
"No, why?"
"I feel like I've heard or been to that place before."
"Sure it wasn't about the Tektites?"
Link gasped, reaching down to the scar from those many years ago that a Tektite had kindly given him. As a river of memories hit him, his heart skipped a beat. Slamming down the mug, he rushed out of the ranch and boarded Epona. Malon cried out before huffing and returning inside.
"Men are strange creatures." She sighed.
Link beamed a smile as he ran towards Zora's Domain. His smile soon stratched all across his face. Suddenly Link began to chuckle. He then broke into laughter and tears of joy ran down his face.
"I'm coming Dark. I'm coming!"