Okay... so I lied. I just can't keep away!
Everyone (if anyone's reading) New World is now up! It's been posted on Ultiman92's account! Go read it if you've already read Unity!
The smashers gathered together at the entrance to the Tunnels. Each carried a bag with a few belongings, a bedroll, plus some food. Spirits were high. They had slept well and deeply, nothing had disturbed them, and they were on their way to destroy that which made them suffer. Link, who had been up fairly early, watched them all arrive and greeted them, holding Zelda's hand in his.
Marth walked to the front of the group once everyone had arrived. "We go now to destroy the Master Hand," he said. "Everyone, we need the kind of teamwork that we had fighting him the first time. He is trying to divide us. We can't let that happen." He smiled. "United, we are more than a match for the Master Hand. But if we fight among each other..."
"We won't!" Roy called out. "Right?"
"We came this far. We're not going back now," said Samus.
We have to work together. The best way to do so is give up all rivalry between us. After all, we work toward the same goal, Mewtwo said, knowing very well that there were mortal enemies among the group.
Mario went over to Bowser. "We a' workin' together now," he said, holding out a hand.
"For now," Bowser said, shaking it. "But the moment this ends..."
"And we'll be ready," put in Peach. "If we have to fight again, you'll find out exactly how hard I can swing a frying pan." She held out a hand to Bowser as well, smiling sweetly. He shook it.
Gannondorf walked to Link and Zelda. "A momentary truce is in order, I believe," he said. "There are greater causes than power to pursue at the moment."
"Momentary," agreed Link.
"Or forever," Zelda put in. "There are always greater causes than personal gain. We could do a lot for Hyrule working together, and you wouldn't be thwarted so often."
Gannondorf looked at Zelda suspiciously. "No," he said. "Don't push your luck, I will rule Hyrule some day."
Zelda cocked an eyebrow at him. "Then you'll have to fight me for it. But if you take a liking to playing the good guy, my offer stands."
"I'll remember that," said Gannondorf.
"Let's go," Marth said.
"Yeah," agreed Roy. "We've got some major butt kicking to do!" With a cheer from the more spirited members, the group headed into the dark of the basement.
The tunnels were pitch black, as usual. It was an oppressive darkness, creating the illusion that even with light, you would see nothing around you. They walked, the silence only broken by the occasional soft curse as someone tripped someone else or stubbed their toe. Nana and Popo were walking close behind the adults, and Nana was clinging fearfully to her brother.
Marth sighed. "I'll light the place up," he said. "But I won't be able to see."
"I'll make sure you don't bump into anything," Roy said, "and this time I won't get distracted. I promise."
Marth smiled. "I trust you. And besides, we've dealt with one adversary, and I doubt all of them can move as silently." He held his sword in one hand like a torch, and closed his eyes. Zelda watched him carefully, wondering how he performed the magic when he didn't seem to be magical himself. Zelda augmented her sight with magic, looking for the life energy rooted inside everyone. The energy that worked Marth's eyes was funnelled down into his body, than carried by his aura power into his sword, producing the glow. "Ah!" whispered Zelda, comprehending. "A trade-off for a generous soul. He gives up his own sight to let others see more clearly."
"Is Marth magical?" Link asked Zelda quietly. "I didn't see any magic in him."
"Not exactly," Zelda said. "But all can use simple magic if their spirit is a certain way. Marth thinks of others first, almost subconsciously. So by doing that, he develops the ability to temporarily sacrifice his sight, turning it into light, and enabling the people around him
to see through darkness." She smiled. "That he has a power like that is proof of how devoted to others Marth is. He's a very good man."
The bright light lit up the Tunnels, throwing into stark relief their strange shape and the marks on the walls. Roy guided his friend through the Tunnels at the head of the line, tugging gently on his arm. All the others grouped behind them.
Zelda found that she could see incredibly well in the dark of the Tunnels. The heavy shadows cast by Marth's sword light were evened out, and the marks on the walls seemed to glow.
"I volunteer to scout ahead," she spoke up. "My night vision seems to have been improved. I can see clear as day even without the light."
"That sounds good," said Marth, speaking in Zelda's general direction. "Please do. And warn us if you find anything."
"I will," said Zelda.
"You know you don't have to," said Link.
"I want to make it up to you," she said. "This curse is actually doing me some good."
"Be careful," Link said.
"I will," Zelda promised. She walked farther, turning a corner. The light from Marth's sword faded. The Tunnels seemed to glow with an unearthly light, swirling and pumping. Creepy, Zelda thought. She felt her head spin, and slowed down, taking some time to get her bearings.
Suddenly, a bouncing light came up behind her. Zelda whipped around and saw Navi.
"Link sent you after me, didn't he?" Zelda asked,
That's right, said Navi. He worries a lot about you.
"Well, it will be nice to have your company," Zelda said.
The two looked around in silence for a moment. Navi spotted the writing on the walls. She went over to it, lighting it up with the radiance of her wings. I can't read it, she tinkled. What language do you think it is?
Suddenly, Zelda heard a soft voice, whispering into her mind. The reason your stupid fairy can't read the words on that wall is that they are written in the old language of the Brotherhood. Our language. We can read it.
Hey! Navi tinkled. I heard that! Why do you think I'm with Zelda anyway, Creature of Dark? I have a heart link with both of them! Drive it away, Zelda! Send that creature packing! Lies! Blasphemy! Evil! Navi continued to shout.
Read it, Zelda, the voice, Dark Zelda, continued, ignoring Navi. It contains all the wisdom of the universe. The secrets to all you've ever wanted... all you have to do is read them. And with me, you can.
Leave her alone! You have no idea what you're dealing with! Go away! Go back to the dark hole from whence you came! Navi continued to tinkle relentlessly. Zelda felt the Dark's annoyance. She smiled.
No, thought Zelda. I won't. If the secrets can only be obtained through darkness, then there is probably a reason why they're secret. Now shut up. I'm scouting. Dark Zelda tried to say something more, but was cut off by Zelda. I don't want to hear it. Shut up and leave me alone. I may not be able to get rid of you yet, but I can suppress you. You are darkness. Going over to darkness would hurt those I value most. Get out of here. With a mental shove, she pushed Dark Zelda to the corner of her mind.
"Come on, Navi," she said. "The portal to the place we need to be is just ahead. Let's go back and report."
Okay, Zelda, Navi said. Let's go.
The two headed back towards the light of Marth's sword around the corner."There's the first spot marked on the map just ahead. There seems to be nothing to get into our way."
"Thank you, Zelda," said Marth, who hadn't opened his eyes.
Link walked to Zelda and hugged her tight. She relaxed into his embrace, Dark Zelda pushed away again. She would not win. No matter what.
One thought haunted her head as she followed Roy, who led the still sightless Marth. Those walls... what do they really say? She squashed the thought and squeezed Link's hand. She didn't need to know. After all, what use could they be to her?
"Are you alright?" he asked softly.
"I am," she said. "Don't worry."
I've always liked Navi in this chapter. XD