From Shadow to Light

By Michael Muirhead

Chapter 21

A Time to Mourn

Zant.

As Monor was brought forward into the throne room, he had no trouble identifying the robes and war helmet the former lord wore. Every Twili knew of Zant's unquenchable thirst for power and banishment from the royal palace. But as Monor was pushed forward, he could only wonder how such a monster had returned to the palace.

Where was Princess Midna?

Where were her palace guards?

Before Monor could ponder an answer to these questions, his attention shifted to the cries of defiance to his right. What he saw was a young maiden being escorted by a giant monster behind her. Though the female Twili fought valiantly to free her self, the monster's grip around her sides proved too strong. "Nirwin! Don't provoke it!" Monor commanded.

Nirwin ceased her struggles as she looked to her partner. "Monor, what's going on?"

"I…I don't know," Monor confessed as he was moved forward. Like Nirwin, he too was being held down by one of the giant beasts. The monster had to be at least twice the size of a regular Twili and wore a stone mask to hide its appearance. What Monor could not understand was where these creatures had come from. No such monsters had ever existed in the Twilight Realm. All he did know was that they were strong and quick to anger.

Monor then felt a defiant jerk as the monster that held him froze in step at the stairs that led to the throne. As he was held in place, Monor looked up to the throne to see the dark lord making his way forward.

"Ah. So there are some of you left," Zant purred as he examined his prisoners, "Welcome to my palace."

"Zant! Where is everyone? What did you do to the princess?" Monor demanded.

"I have to say your resistance was commendable. You are one of the last of my people who has yet to grace me with their presence," Zant smiled.

"Where is the princess?" Monor repeated angrily.

Zant gave a snort of amusement towards his prisoners before addressing them. "The same question all my subjects seem to ask. Very well," he smirked, "She has been…'removed' from her duties and has left the affairs of the Twili in my care."

"What?" Monor whispered in surprise.

Nirwin only emitted small sobs as she averted her face from Zant's glare.

"But that's…" Monor stuttered.

"Impossible?" Zant laughed, "Hardly. Unlike the late princess, I have been gifted with a greater power. The power our ancestors have sought for decades."

For Monor, it was hard to believe that Zant could overthrow the powers of the royal family. Only the royal family knew the secrets their ancestors once had. There was no way that Zant could have gained those secrets. Yet…How did Zant defeat the princess?

"I suppose I could go on and on, but things will be clear to you soon enough," Zant purred.

"What do you want from us?" Monor demanded.

"Please. Just leave us alone!" Nirwin cried.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Zant smiled, "I need your help in rebuilding the Twili kingdom to its former glory. Your services will be required for my self and the god I serve."

"We will never serve you!" Monor shouted defiantly.

"Come now. Don't you wish to reclaim what our people had lost so long ago," Zant replied, "Don't you wish to escape this prison we have been exiled to and reclaim what was once ours?"

"What are you talking about?" Monor demanded.

Zant smiled as he gazed upon them. "The Twili used to be race of powerful magicians, destined to rule the world. But we were cast out and forced to live in a confined world of solitude. Forever lost," Zant explained, "But no longer! Now with the help of my god, we will reclaim our place once again!"

"You're mad!" Monor shouted.

Zant only laughed in amusement. "We shall see," Zant then turned his attention to Nirwin, "Come my pretty. It is time for you to serve your purpose."

Nirwin struggled in fear as the dark figure slowly approached her. Her eyes remained transfixed in horror upon the monstrous mask.

"Don't touch her!" Monor demanded as he watched Zant approach her, "Let her go!"

Zant ignored the pleas as he stopped in front of the young maiden. The metal eyes of the mask seemed fixed upon her.

"Let her go! Let go of her!" Monor cried as he tried to break free. He could feel monster's grip tighten around his sides.

"Take heart young one. I only wish to bestow a great gift upon you from the heavens," the robed figure hissed as he gently caressed her face.

Nirwin tried to pull away from Zant's icy touch. "Please stop!"

Monor continued to struggle in vain to reach his beloved's side. Fear etched across his face as he watched Zant reposition his hand upon Nirwin's forehead. "Stay away from her! Let her go!"

"And why should I?" Zant asked as he turned to Monor, "Why must we deny the power we have been gifted with?"

"Please!" Monor cried out.

"Allow me to show you," Zant laughed.

As Monor watched Zant, he could feel the area around him tingle with magical energy. It was if an overwhelming electrical charge was emanating from the dark lord him self.

"My God! Your humble servant calls out to you!" Zant chanted, "Grant this one with the power to serve your purpose!"

Monor could only watch in horror as dark energy radiated from Zant's outstretched hand towards Nirwin. At first, Nirwin tried to resist the power that was enveloping her, but her struggles began to slowly cease. As her eyes became empty, tiny specs of shadows began to form around her. Quickly, the shadow pieces began to converge on Nirwin's body, covering it completely in darkness. As more specs of shadow appeared and attached themselves to Nirwin, her body began to grow in size and shape.

Monor could only look in horror as he saw the shadows vanish, revealing Nirwin's new form. As he saw the monster that was once his beloved, he began to realize that the monster that held him, and the ones that now lined the castle walls, were all Twili. "Nirwin…"

The monster that was Nirwin made no response. It merely looked towards Zant, awaiting its first orders.

"Nirwin! Please, answer me!"

The monster made no response.

"Nirwin!" Monor bemoaned as he felt his strength diminish. The one person he loved, the one he had sworn his life that he would protect, had been stolen from him

"Good," Zant praised as he looked upon his newest creation, "Now go and join the others in my ranks."

The new monster only bowed its head in response. It then made its way to stand with the others who had suffered the same fate.

"You have nothing to fear. You will now be joining her in my ranks." Zant laughed, "Together, we will serve my god and rise above the heavens!"

Monor looked upon Zant's mask with venom in his eyes. In one desperate attempt, he tried to lunge forward at the Twili that now stood before him. "What did you do to her? Bring her back!"

Zant made no response as he watched Monor trying to lunge at him. Though, if one could see past the mask, they would see Zant's face decorated with a crooked grin. Only after a brief moment had passed did Zant raise his hand to Monor's forehead.

Monor froze as he felt Zant's power take hold of him. Inside, he could feel a dark hand reaching into his very soul, violating his very being. Desperately, he tried to fight against the evil power, but found he was powerless to stop it. Before Monor could even scream, the dark hand had found what it had sought. Memories of who he was vanished in that instant as Monor felt shadow envelope him. What followed was a brief moment of pure darkness.

As Monor regained his sight, he began to see the world in a new perspective. No longer could he see the world in the vibrant colors of the twilight. Only shadows of the people and objects around him dominated his senses. A single voice echoed in his mind constantly as he looked down upon the robed figure before him.

"Serve your master. Serve your god."

The cold mask looked up at the monster that was once Monor. A small laugh could be heard echoing within. "Join your brethren in their ranks."

The order echoed constantly in Monor's mind as he heard it. Without hesitation, Monor found himself taking his position among the many other Twili who had fallen victim to Zant's power. No longer could he feel pain or joy. No longer could he remember who he was. The only thing that mattered was his duty to serve the Twilight King.

"Serve your master. Serve your god."

The words continued to echo in Monor's mind as he awaited his orders. His master was Zant. His god was…

X X X X X

Monor shook violently as he awoke. Desperately he looked around, searching for the palace and all the Twili who had been changed. But as his sight began to focus, he found himself surrounded on all sides by open field. It took him a few moments to remember where he was.

It had been three months since that day, yet the memory of his…transformation…remained fresh in his mind. Even at that moment, he could still here Zant's words echo in the back of his mind.

"Serve your master. Serve your god."

Monor shook his head as he struggled to fight against the words. The words of the dark tyrant were poison meant to enslave him. As long as he didn't succumb to the voice, he would remain who he was.

He was Monor.

He was a member of the Twili.

He served under Princess Midna.

In his mind, Monor focused on any memory he could recall before Zant transformed him. It was the only thing he could do from losing his will to the voice in his head. But Zant's voice was constant and hard to ignore.

"Serve your master. Serve your god."

Monor groaned in agony as he placed a giant hand upon the mask he saw the world through. Though it brought great pain to fight against the ever repeating chant, he did not want to lose himself again. No matter what, he had to remember who he was.

"Dream?"

Monor turned to the raspy voice that addressed him and found him self looking into the same stone mask that had haunted his dreams. For a brief moment, he forgot that he was not looking into the face of a monster, but into the face of the one he loved. "Memories."

"The voice?" Nirwin asked in concern.

Monor only nodded in reply.

Nirwin remained silent for a moment as she looked over her love. Like him, she too could feel Zant's cursed words echo in her mind. To suppress them, Nirwin focused on all the memories of when she and Monor were together. She focused her thoughts on the numerous walks she and Monor spent under the twilight. She thought about how Monor had supported her through the years. She even recalled a time when he played a melody on an ocarina outside her window. As long as she focused on those memories, she could suppress Zant's voice inside her. "Just remain strong. Don't let it control you."

Monor tried to take Nirwin's words to heart, but living his life as a constant monster was draining his will. He wanted his old form back. He wanted to restart his life and live in peace. He wanted an end to this eternal darkness.

"Serve your master. Serve your god."

Desperately, Monor forced the voice back once more. As he did, he felt Nirwin's hand rest upon his.

"We will find a way," Nirwin said as she looked at Monor.

Monor only gave a silent nod in response. Yet deep inside, he could feel his hope drain away. A part of him wondered if they would ever see the tranquil twilight again.

Monor's thoughts were interrupted the next second by Nirwin's voice.

"Do you sense that?"

Monor looked at Nirwin questioningly.

"There is magic in the air."

Monor took a moment to calm his senses before turning them towards the horizon. Though a normal Twili could not detect magic in the air, Zant had given the gift to his monstrous subjects as a way of tracking down the Twilight Princess. It could only be described as a tingling sensation in the back of the mind. For Monor, the magic energy he now felt was only too familiar.

"It's the power of the Sol Spheres." Nirwin responded.

"And the power of that sword," Monor added as he looked down upon his scarred hand. It was a mark he had received when he and Nirwin had first found the strange blade. He had tried to remove it so they could gain the power of the Sol Spheres. Yet, no matter what they tried, the sword refused to yield.

What Monor could not fathom was how a young boy had managed to pull the sword. He didn't believe Link had any special powers, yet he had witnessed the boy pull the blade free. Now the only chance he had at returning to normal lay in trusting the one known as Link.

"I see them," Nirwin said as she gazed into the distance.

Monor followed Nirwin's gaze into the field. Though he suspected that the night sky around them was beautiful, he could only see the world as dark shadows. Yet among the shadows of the field, he was able to see two figures on horseback. One of them he recognized as Link, while the other was a small imp that he had never met, but recognized from the images Zant had given him. "Princess Midna."

Nirwin nodded in agreement. "Yes."

For him, it was strange to be looking upon the same people he had been hunting for so long. Already he could feel the voice in his head pushing him to attack. But Monor refused to give in. All his hopes now lay with Link and the princess.

"We must go to them," Nirwin insisted.

Monor had no objections as he looked down upon his quarry. After so many months, he and Nirwin would finally be able to return to normal. They would finally be free.

X X X X X

Midna could still remember the countless days that she and Link had spent together on the road. Though Link rarely spoke, he did engage in friendly conversation with her once in a while to ease the tension in the air. Even during times when he remained silent, his eyes appeared full of life and would bring her comfort.

But today, that life was gone.

The loss of Rusl had hit Link hard. Though he was able to perform all of his tasks, his mind was focused elsewhere. What life and hope that once existed within him had disappeared, making him appear drained and empty.

As Midna thought about the events that transpired that day, she could only wonder if Link blamed her for what happened. It had not been an easy choice for her to make. Though she would never admit it, the events within Hyrule's prison had traumatized her. Every time she slept, she could still see Stooker's face looking down upon her as he beat her within an inch of her life. It was an event she tried desperately to forget, but could not.

But was it right to doom another man?

As Midna thought about Rusl and her time in prison, her stomach began to contort in pain. Midna let out a small groan as she grabbed her stomach and tried to calm the child within. The world around her seemed to disappear for a moment as she gritted her teeth. Only after several moments had passed was Midna finally able to overcome the throbbing inside. As she gasped for air, she found Link looking down at her in concern.

For a moment the two shared a silent look. Midna tried to speak, but found she lacked the words. A part of her feared that what she might say would push Link even further away.

With no words passing between them, Link climbed off Epona and began to remove their gear.

Midna could only watch in silence as the blankets were rolled out and Link gathered some nearby branches and stones for a campfire. The actions he performed were slow and sluggish. For Midna, it was hard to believe that the person she now looked upon was the same one she had journeyed with before.

As Midna pondered a way to help Link, her attention was pulled away by the sound of rustling grass. As her survival instincts gripped her, Midna turned to the source and searched the surrounding area. However, the only thing she saw was darkness.

But something was out there.

Like Midna, Link had also heard the sound. Reacting on instinct, he quickly placed himself between Midna and the direction the sounds came from. Slowly, Link drew the Master Sword and waited for the creatures in the darkness to make their move.

After what seemed like an eternity, two shapes began to emerge from the dark fields. Slowly, both Midna and Link could make out the stone mask and glowing inscriptions on the monsters' bodies.

They were Twili.

"You have returned," a strong voice hissed from one of the Twili.

For a moment, Link remained still as he studied the two shadows. Only after a brief pause did his defense finally begin to drop.

As Midna watched Link let his guard down, she was about to protest. However she quickly stilled her tongue the next moment as she noticed that the insignias that covered the Twili were not red as the ones Zant controlled, but green. They were docile like the ones she and Link had encountered the first time they had entered the Twilight Realm.

"We have been waiting a long time," the larger Twili said as he approached Link and Midna.

Midna had to suppress her fear as she took the first steps toward Link's side. "Are you the Twili that Link had encountered?" Midna asked hesitantly. Though she suspected that she had nothing to fear, the two Twili were giants when compared to her imp like state.

"I am Nirwin," the smaller Twili greeted, "and this is Monor."

"We have come seeking your help, Princess Midna," Monor replied.

X X X X X

From the moment she had decided to return to the World of Light, Midna had always tried to distance her self away from her duties as the Twilight Princess. The only thing that mattered was raising her child in peace with Link. However, as she talked with Monor and Nirwin about their current situation, she found herself taking up this role once more. However, the problem she now faced would not easily be solved.

"There has to be something you can do! Some form of magic you haven't considered!" Monor demanded as he looked down upon the imp.

Midna stood unyielding as she faced the larger of the two Twili. Though Monor was easily four times her size, she knew she had to maintain her authority. "I am sorry, but there is little I can do at the moment," she replied firmly.

"No! That can't be true! There must be…" Monor replied.

"I'm sorry but I had used all my powers to return to this world," Midna explained, "What powers I had in my bracelet were drained in our last encounter."

"But…You…there must be…" Monor stuttered angrily.

"Monor! Please!" Nirwin quickly intervened by placing a hand on Monor's shoulder to ease his tension. She then turned to Midna an offered a small bow, "Our apologies princess. Its just that…we hoped you could help us."

Midna only turned her head slightly as she tried to avoid Nirwin's glance. For a brief moment, she found herself reliving the sense of betrayal she felt when she was forced to abandon her people to Zant. It was a feeling she had hoped she'd never have to endure again.

"Is there nothing in this world that can help us?" Nirwin pleaded.

Midna sighed in frustration. The curse was a complicated product of Twilight magic using the Triforce of Power. Other then the Sol Spheres, the only power Midna thought might work to undo the curse was Link's Triforce of Courage or Zelda's Triforce of Wisdom. However, without a firm understanding of the Tiforce's full power, Midna was reluctant to use the relic for such a complicated spell. If she did something wrong…Midna didn't even want to think about the consequences. "Like I said, I know how to undo the curse, but I lack the power," Midna stated.

Nirwin's head only sagged in disappointment.

"Then we came here for nothing," Monor bemoaned.

Hearing this, Midna quickly turned to Monor. "No. If you give me some time, maybe I can find something to draw magic from. I could then change you back."

"How long would we have to wait?" Nirwin asked.

For a moment, Midna considered lying to the Twili, but found she could not hide the truth. "I don't know. It might be weeks or months."

"We can't wait that long!" Monor exploded.

"Monor!" Nirwin cried.

"Everyday, I hear 'his' voice! It burns inside me! I try…but," Monor cried as he placed a hand on his stone mask, "I'm not a monster."

Midna remained silent for a moment as she studied the great creature. "I'm sorry. But this is all I can do."

"Sorry? Sorry!" Monor demanded in blind anger, "Do you know what it's like to be pulled away from your home and robbed of all your memories! To loose everything you had! To be called a monster!"

"Monor, please," Nirwin begged.

"Do you!" Monor demanded again.

Midna crossed her arms in defiance. "In case you have forgotten, I too was changed! Or are you so blind that you can not see the imp in front of you!"

Monor could only cringe as he heard Midna's voice of authority.

"I was changed, exiled, and forced to live as a shadow of myself!" Midna replied, "Even now I must endure it!"

Monor cringed in shame as he realized his poor choice in words. Though Midna was an imp, she still resembled a small Twili in Monor's eyes.

"What Zant did to you was inexcusable," Midna stated, "And I will find a way to free you. But you must listen to me."

For a long moment, Monor remained silent as he stared into Midna's fiery eyes. "Why? How do we know you can do it? You are still cursed yourself."

"You could always run and find something else," Midna replied, "But how long do you think you will last. Anyone who sees you will hunt you down."

"Please Monor," Nirwin begged, "The princess is right. We can't keep running like this."

Monor remained silent as he considered his options.

"Your only chance of returning to normal is to follow me," Midna repeated.

"I…" Monor bemoaned.

"You must trust me," Midna stated.

Monor found himself lost and confused. A part of him wanted to believe the princess, but another part of him wondered if he was pursuing another false promise of hope. "I…I need to think."

Midna only watched in silence as the giant Twili walked into the darkness. A part of her was relieved that he had left. Yet she could not help but feel pity for the poor soul trapped in the monster's body. She wanted to help, but there was little she could do.

"My apologies, you're highness," Nirwin said as she bowed her head.

Midna turned to Nirwin, feeling slightly comforted by the fact that Nirwin had remained calm. "I gave up that title a long time ago," Midna replied, "It's just Midna now."

"Okay…Midna," Nirwin stuttered as she bowed her head slightly, "Just…Please forgive Monor. He has been through a lot."

"Don't worry. I won't hold a grudge," Midna replied.

Nirwin bowed her head again. "If I may ask, what has become of our home, the Twilight Realm?"

"Worried about Zant?" Midna asked.

Nirwin only nodded.

"You have nothing to fear," Midna replied with some satisfaction, "I took care of him my self."

"But…why are you still here then?"

Midna took a moment to glance down at her belly. "Let's just say I have my reasons and leave it at that."

"What about the kingdom?"

"It's in the hands of the ministers now," Midna stated, "Don't worry."

Though a part of her feared that she would never see her home again, Nirwin took some comfort in knowing that it was now safe from Zant.

"I guess the question is what will you do now?" Midna asked as she looked at the Twili, "Will you follow me?"

There was a long pause as Nirwin considered her options. "I guess…I don't know. Do you really think you can change us back?"

"I'm sure I can," Midna promised.

Nirwin was unsure why, but there was something in Midna's eyes that made her want to trust the princess. Perhaps it was the small promise of hope Midna offered. "If you let me, I will go with you."

"And Monor?" Midna asked, "Do you think he will follow us."

Nirwin took a moment to look in the general direction Monor and disappeared in. It wasn't long before she saw that he now sat a small distance away from the camp. "He just needs some time to think. I will talk with him," Nirwin replied.

Midna nodded her approval and then watched as Nirwin made her way to Monor's side. Though she did not like the idea of traveling with Monor, she felt less comfortable if she abandoned him to his fate. Her royal heritage would never allow it.

Slowly, Midna made her way back to where the blankets had been rolled out. As she sat down to rest, her eyes wandered upon the lone figure who sat on a hill in the distance. Though she would have liked him to have been by her side when she had addressed Monor and Nirwin, she knew that Link needed time alone to grieve for his loss.

Still, Midna felt compelled to help Link in some way. The question was how?

Midna's thoughts were interrupted the next moment as she felt her child shift uncomfortably within her stomach. "You just don't know when to quit, do you?" Midna said as she rubbed her stomach.

As if to answer question, the muscles within Midna's stomach continued to twist around inside her.

As Midna massaged her stomach, she began to wonder if her child was able to hear her thoughts. "What do you think I should do, little one?"

The muscles within Midna continued to shift slightly.

"Should I go to him or give him some more time?" Midna asked.

After several moments had passed, the pain inside Midna began to settle.

Midna let out a small sigh of frustration. "I guess you're no help," she said sarcastically before turning her gaze back to Link. Once more she was left with the choice on whether to approach Link or not. For Midna it was the most difficult decision. Yet, as the thoughts about her child echoed in her mind, she knew what needed to be done.

X X X X X

Link sat and stared into the empty void with unseeing eyes. His mind was in turmoil over the fate that had befallen Rusl. He always assumed that he would have to make sacrifices if he wanted to make a life with Midna. But to lose Rusl…For Link, the sacrifice was too great. He should not have abandoned Rusl. He should have done…something.

But what would have happened to Midna if he had?

Though a part of him believed he could have saved them both, another part of him said it would have been impossible. Rusl had been wounded and could not fight while Midna was defenseless without her magic. He could not defend them both at the same time. He was forced to make a choice between them.

However, this did little to raise Link's spirits. He needed someone to tell him that he had done everything he could. He needed to know he had done the right thing.

"They say misery loves company," a voice echoed sincerely behind him, "Mind if I join you."

Link recognized the voice but made no response. As he continued to stare into the void, he could hear the small imp taking a seat next to him, yet she kept a small space between them.

"I know nothing I say can help ease the pain you feel, Link. I've had to apologize to all the Twili who lost loved ones during Zant's reign and I know it does little to comfort their loss," Midna began.

Link made no response.

"But…I still want you to know that I'm sorry about Rusl," Midna continued, "I didn't want to abandon him," Midna felt her voice falter slightly.

Link only remained silent.

For a moment Midna looked at Link, hoping to get some kind of response. A part of her wished Link would say that it was her fault and snap at her. At least then she would know if Link was listening to her. But Link only remained silent as he stared into the empty oblivion. It was impossible to tell whether he was listening or ignoring her. For Midna, it was a crueler fate then being yelled at.

Seeing no response, Midna turned back to the scenery in front of her. As she stared into the open field, her thoughts turned to Rusl. Though she only knew him for a short time, the loss of Rusl had hit her harder than she thought possible. She knew Rusl had served as a surrogate father figure for Link, but at the same time, she could not help but feel that Rusl had also been a father figure to her as well. A father who had welcomed her into their family and had done everything he could to protect her.

Without thinking, Midna found her self voicing her memories of the man. "I still remember the last time Rusl and I talked with each other. It happened after we escaped Hyrule."

Link's eyes only slightly closed as he heard Midna's words.

"I was feeling sick at the time, but Rusl helped me," Midna began, "He told me Uli had the same problems when she carried Ema."

Link only blinked in response.

"I can only wonder if that's true," Midna added sarcastically. A small smile then decorated her face as she recalled the rest of the conversation she had with Rusl. "He also told me about his family."

Link's eyes seemed to droop upon hearing Midna mention Rusl's family.

"He seemed very proud of them. I think his only disappointment was that Ema had more of Uli's characteristics."

Secretly, Link mentally smiled a little as he recalled a similar memory. Many times he had heard Rusl tell him the same thing.

"Of course, he said it was only fair since Colin took on many of his traits," Midna continued, "Personally, I think Colin looks more like Uli."

Link found some amusement in what Midna said. He knew Rusl took great pride in thinking Colin resembled him. If Midna had said this in front of Rusl…Link could only wonder who would win the debate.

"Truthfully, I was surprised at how fast he accepted me for who I am. Not many can see past my…features," Midna said as she held her hand up, "But he did."

For Link, it was not surprising. He had learned long ago from Rusl that one should judge people from within. It was this advice that had allowed him to slowly trust Midna when he had first met her.

"I wish I could have known him more," Midna confessed, "he did so much for me."

Link took a moment to glance at Midna. As he looked into her eyes, he saw the same amount of compassion and regret he once saw when Zelda had given up her life energy for her.

"I never wanted this to happen. I…"Midna's voice trailed off as her eyes fell to the ground.

Midna then felt a hand being placed on her shoulder. As she looked up, she found Link looking down at her. Though he still bore grief in his eyes, Midna could still make out some of the warmth she once knew.

"I'm sorry, Link. I never wanted to bring all this upon you," Midna replied. She then gave a weak smile, "I guess I'm more trouble then I'm worth."

Link gave a small snort of amusement. He knew Midna was trying to help him. He wanted to thank her for trying, but lacked the voice to. Instead, he pulled her towards his side so that she could be close to him.

"Misery loves company."

Midna's words echoed in Link's mind as he felt Midna lean against him. Secretly he thanked her for reminding him of some of the good times he and Rusl shared. Though it would take him a while to accept Rusl's death, he would endure it with the help of Midna. His guardian had given everything so that he could start a new life with her.

He would not let Rusl's sacrifice be in vain.

To Be Continued…

Author's Note:

I apologize for how long this took to write. To give you an idea on the scope on this chapter alone…well…I wrote this chapter five times at least. Originally I wrote it starting off with Link having already met Monor and Nirwin and doing a little flashback. But I thought that might confuse some readers and there was not enough dialogue. It became a chapter that reviewed what happened in the past. I didn't want that. I then tried a few other ideas, including a dream sequence with Ganondorf, and FINALLY came up with this. I only hope that it meets your expectations.

I have to say, Zant is probably the most complicated character I've had to work with. At one point he's dark and mysterious, the next he's a raging lunatic in the game. I've tried to do my best with him, but he is a handful; even writing Link in his silent quotes is easier then Zant. I hope you like my perceived version of him.

The hardest scene by far was the talk between Monor, Nirwin, and Midna. For the longest time, I had Midna apologizing for not being able to help them. She sounded weak. It wasn't until after weeks on end that I finally said to myself that maybe I should give her lines that fit Zelda's character (they are both princesses). That didn't work either, but it did give me the idea of making her fight with Monor and making Monor the one who was weak. In some ways the scene was comical to me because Monor towers over Midna, but it did show Midna's fiery spirit. It also fit well with the chapters to come.

Now for the good news:

Though this chapter took forever, I also took the time to write the next two chapters. These were a lot more fun to write and involved some combat, dramatic sequences, and an evil cliff hangar that will leave you screaming for more.

With Chapters 22 and 23 almost done, I think I will release Chapter 22 in the following week. Consider this as a way of asking for your forgiveness on how long it took to write this chapter. I just need to take care of some grammar issues and make some minor changes to make it flow smoothly. I think you will like the results.

Also, I want to hear from reviewers concerning what I can improve. Your comments do help me, bad or good. If you tell me what the problem is and why, I will do what I can to correct it.

In one such case, a review said "I really dislike the way Midna has been so thoroughly weakened, both physically and as a character". I decided to look into this and felt the reviewer was right. Although it meant going back and rewriting some dialogue and scenes, I wanted to bring Midna's fiery attitude back. She may have lost her powers and be physically weak, but she still has her fiery spirit. Anyway, whatever ideas you have, please let me know.

The characters and game belong to the companies responsible for creating Legend of Zelda. This story is only based on it and is not being used to make money. Only to satisfy a hobby I have and to share it with others.