Now we set the stage for the sequel. This is also half-inspired by Birth By Sleep.
Chapter 21: Resolve
A day later found everyone sitting in the Throne Room of Hyrule Castle. Zelda sat upon the throne. Rolynd had vanished into the darkness completely, making him unable to come back.
Link's head was hung in sorrow, but no one felt more sorrow than Xemyli.
Streams of tears flowed from her eyes as she cried over her husband's fate.
They sat in silence, no one wanting to be the one to break it, even though they all knew what it was they had met for.
Finally, Link could take it no longer.
He stood up.
Everyone's solemn face turned in his direction.
"Everyone, I'm sorry." he said at first, in slow voice.
Malon gave his hand a gentle squeeze to support him, though she too looked sad.
"I think you know what it is that I want. I want to hear your thoughts on the matter."
No one moved or spoke. It seemed as though everyone was too absorbed by grief to embolden themselves to help Rytex.
Exsan was the first to stand.
He raised his head high, wiped the solitary tear from his eye.
"Link, I will do whatever it takes to get my best friend back. I'm coming with you."
Axel and Demyx stood.
"Rytex was our friend. We're comin' also." said Axel as Demyx nodded.
"Do I really have to say anything?" asked Ryet, standing.
Malon was next.
"Link, I'm coming. I know you probably won't want me to, but I'm doing it because I want to help you. I'm coming."
Sean stood.
"Someone has to keep Exsan from doing something stupid. I'm coming also."
Rega next.
"Someone's got to keep an eye on you, also." he said, causing everyone to smile a little bit.
Finally, Xemyli raised her head.
"I'm his wife. I will come also." she said, wiping her eyes.
Zelda looked at Link.
"Alas, I cannot come. But if ever there is anything you need of Hyrule in your search, you will merely need to ask." she said.
Link nodded.
"So, where do we go? What will we do?" asked Exsan.
Link looked to the sky.
"I don't know. But we'll find a way. First thing's first, we must speak with Bahamut and have him lend us his wisdom."
Everyone nodded.
And they set off for Harbor Town.
As they walked, Link looked at the ground, treasuring each step he took.
"Don't worry, Rytex. Don't give in. We're coming to save you."
Rytex opened his eyes. Nothing. It was as though they were closed.
He sighed and tried to move. He could not. He was bound in place.
Every memory was still available to him.
But he didn't know how long he had been there. Had it been five minutes? an hour? a day? a month? even a year?
He closed his eyes as sleep began to overtake him.
Then, in the middle of the darkness, came a small spark of light. A very small spark, but visible in this infinite darkness.
It approached him.
"Hello? Can you hear me?" he asked.
The light came closer.
He reached for it, but he was unable to move.
Finally, the light reached him.
Before he could do anything, it flew into his chest.
He was standing on a circular platform. It was made of glass and it depicted a bright sun, but around the sun was the emblem of the Sheikah.
He looked around and soon saw a boy standing there also, looking at him.
"Who're you?" asked the boy.
Rytex smiled. The boy was young, with spiky brown hair, blue eyes, and he looked a lot like Ryet, but he wasn't Ryet. He was wearing a white T-shirt, red shorts, and sandals.
"I'm Rytex. What's your name?"
"S- Sora." the boy said.
Rytex's smile faded a little.
"Do you know what I am?" he asked the boy.
"You look like a person."
"That's true. I'm actually just a soul of a person. Well, what's left of him anyway. I can't survive anywhere on my own. Can I stay with you, Sora?"
Sora looked hesitant.
"Don't worry. I won't hurt you." he said, extending a hand as if to shake it.
Sora looked at it, then took it.
Sora watched as Rytex disintegrated into a myriad of light balls and they all flew into his chest.
"Thanks. When you see a guy with blonde hair dressed in green, I'll tell you what to do, okay? He's probably looking for me. He wants to help me get back to my body. Do you think you can help me if you see him?" Sora heard in his head.
"Uh-huh."
"Thanks, Sora. It's been nice meeting you." said Rytex as darkness overtook his sight and he drifted into the safety of sleep.
To be continued in Part 2: A Light, Even in the Ultimate Darkness.
What did you guys think? Please rate on a 5-Star Scale. Oh, and The Royal Ball fans, don't be complaining. I've gotten too many messages from you guys on the story. I've hit writers block so you know.